Overview on Climate Resilience Efforts

The Central African Republic (CAR) submitted its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in January 2022. The NDC aligns with the country’s primary strategic framework—the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan. CAR estimates that climate adaptation measures will require approximately USD 450 million by 2030 to address the impacts and vulnerabilities associated with current and future climate change.

The country has also developed its initial National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which focuses on three priority sectors:

• Agriculture
• Water resources and sanitation
• Higher education

In line with its adaptation efforts, CAR adopted a National Water Policy in July 2021.

CAR established its Green Climate Fund (GCF) Country Programme document in 2018. While this document includes some water-related adaptation measures, the National Designated Authority (NDA) has indicated the need for an update to reflect emerging priorities and opportunities.

Gender Dimensions of Climate Change

Women in the Central African Republic are disproportionately affected by climate change. During climate-related disasters, men often migrate from rural areas in search of work, leaving women and children behind without support.

Additionally, the shrinking forest cover—resulting from climate change—has forced rural and indigenous women to travel long distances to gather forest products essential for their families’ subsistence (Gender Profile CAR, 2021).

Water scarcity particularly affects girls, who are often tasked with fetching water during the dry season when sources dry up. This not only exposes them to risks of violence but also contributes to school dropout rates (Gender Profile CAR, 2021).

Project Focus