Enhancing direct access for localized adaptation in Africa: A milestone workshop, Nairobi, Kenya, December 4-5, 2024

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Adaptation Fund (AF), recently held a two-day workshop on “improving Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) to support localized adaptation efforts in Africa”, that brought together experts, practitioners, and representatives of various African countries. The event paved the way for greater community involvement in tackling climate change impacts.

Introduced by the GCF in 2015 and strengthened by the AF in 2020, EDA decentralizes decision-making for climate finance through nationally led funds. This innovative approach enables a response that specifically meets local needs. The workshop addressed challenges such as complex project submission processes and highlighted opportunities for integrating local governance into adaptation strategies.

Anju Sharma (GCA) and Benito Müller (Oxford Climate Policy), showcased impactful projects in Indonesia and South Africa. Steve Muhanji (OSS), presented Angola's CREW initiative, the first GCF-funded project in Angola, which focuses on empowering women to build resilience against climate impacts. Regional case studies, such as Kenya’s FLoCCA program and Angola’s CREW initiative, offered valuable insights into successful locally led adaptation models.

The workshop culminated in bold recommendations: simplifying funding processes, strengthening national capacity, and engaging SMEs and marginalized groups in adaptation projects. Institutionalizing localized approaches within national policies was also deemed critical.
The findings will be shared with major climate funds and governments to foster broader adoption of EDA. Follow-up sessions are planned to monitor progress and refine strategies, ensuring inclusive and sustainable adaptation efforts.