On 26 August 2020, Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), Global Water Partnership East Africa (GWPEA), and the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) signed a grant agreement of USD 2,118,960 for the regional component.
It will be executed at the regional level by GWPEA, while at national level, it will be executed by the four riparian countries of Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda with GWPSA being the accountable entity for the legal and financial aspects of GWPEA.
These four countries are dependent on agriculture, dominated by the production systems of smallholder farmers and pastoralists. However, these activities are susceptible to severe water shortages and the adverse impacts of prolonged droughts due to climate change. The establishment of early warning systems and the implementation of drought adaptation systems will support stakeholders in reducing the impact of climate induced stresses. The project will also promote new and innovative solutions to income-generation by employing a Regional Participatory Learning and Action Approach.
Large portions of the beneficiary population are women, therefore the DRESS-EA project was designed with a gender focus in mind.
“There are many vulnerable members among the smallholder farmers and pastoralists, especially women, children, youth, disabled, and elderly. As a result, gender mainstreaming is vital for the successful design and implementation of the proposed project activities,” said Mr. Gerald Kairu GWPEA project manager.
GWPEA is collaborating with IGAD and governments of Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda through the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) and Africa Water Investment Support Programme to Water Climate and Gender (AIP WACDEP-G) to enhance drought resilience and water security in the region. The DRESS-EA project will build on existing initiatives and establish new mechanisms to address drought-related challenges in the region.
“On behalf of GWPO I would like to appreciate the Adaptation Fund for the financial and technical support towards the implementation of the DRESS-EA Project,” said Mr. Peter Repinski, Global Water Partnership interim Executive Secretary, at the signing ceremony.
Photo credit: Omotayo Tajudeen