Dec 11, 2024
The governing board of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) has endorsed a $34.65 million investment plan to harness the transformative potential of nature for lasting climate-positive change in Zambia. The plan, approved under CIF’s Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) investment program and expected to generate more than $220 million of co-financing, is designed to boost low-carbon climate resilient economy, agricultural productivity, and forest protection, building on previous CIF programming in the country.
In Zambia, approximately 70% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, leaving Zambians highly vulnerable to climate shocks. Increasingly unpredictable rainfall and temperature fluctuations are worsening high levels of food insecurity in the country.
Exacerbating the crisis, Zambia's forest ecosystems, natural carbon sinks crucial for mitigating and adapting to climate change, are being rapidly lost or degraded, primarily due to clearing for agriculture and fuel.
Under Zambia’s plan, developed with the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group, planned nature-based interventions are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to fires and farming by more than 2.6 million tCO2 eq annually and help over 300,000 rural people become more resilient to climate shocks. CIF financing will be used to protect natural habitats while simultaneously benefiting local communities in the Central, Copperbelt and North-western provinces.
Specifically. Zambia intends to place 110,000 hectares of forest in the critical Zambezi and Kafue watersheds under community-partnered sustainable management. The country also plans to restore degraded landscapes; expand access to green technologies; introduce climate-smart agriculture, fishery, and forestry practices; and promote sustainable, diversified livelihoods and small enterprises.
CIF’s Dedicated Grant Mechanism will additionally channel a total of $4 million in funding directly to local communities in Zambia, supporting climate-smart livelihoods and capacity building.
Zambia’s new plan builds on a long-term partnership for climate resilience between CIF and the country, with almost $90M invested since 2013 and 850,000 people with improved livelihoods in some of the poorest and most vulnerable regions.
CIF's $400 million Nature, People, and Climate investment program supports the development of nature-based solutions in low- and middle-income countries around the world. Seven countries and one region are part of the program, with Dominican Republic, Rwanda, and Ethiopia’s investment plans approved in 2024. Nature, People, and Climate funds initiatives that recognize the interdependence of land use, climate-change mitigation and adaptation, and the improvement of livelihoods for rural communities and Indigenous Peoples.
Tariye Gbadegesin – CEO, Climate Investment Funds
“We are proud of our long-term partnership with Zambia. Since 2013, CIF has supported game-changing policy advances and climate adaptation planning there, with CIF funding having notable positive impact for women and rural livelihoods in some of the poorest communities. Today, more than ever, Zambia is on the frontlines of climate change, and new programming under Nature, People, and Climate will accelerate greater resilience for Zambians, bridging the gap between adaptation and mitigation through nature-based solutions.”
Hon. Mr. Mike Elton Mposha - Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Zambia
“The allocation of funding to Zambia for the implementation of our Nature, People and Climate Investment Plan will, among others, contribute to the sustainable management of the Zambezi and Kafue River catchments and to the building of resilience of our hydroelectric power generation capacity while delivering core climate results including greenhouse gas emission reduction, improved livelihoods of local communities and biodiversity conservation. In this regard, I wish to thank the Climate Investment Funds for the approval and allocation of resources for the implementation of our Investment Plan, and the Multilateral Development Banks namely, the African Development Bank, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation for working with my Ministry to deliver the Investment Plan.”
Anthony Nyong - Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank
"The African Development Bank welcomes the endorsement of Zambia’s Investment Plan. This approval provides critical resources to address Zambia’s unique climate challenges, such as droughts, floods, and deforestation, while promoting sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, and climate-resilient infrastructure. We are proud to support Zambia in leveraging its natural resources responsibly to foster a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy through nature-based solutions that benefit its most vulnerable communities and ensure sustainable growth."
Mary Porter Peshka - Regional Director for Eastern Africa, IFC
IFC is excited to strengthen its partnership with the Government of Zambia through its CIF NPC Investment Plan, focusing on climate-smart agriculture and enhancing resilience to climate change. This initiative will promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve livelihoods. By engaging the private sector, IFC aims to unlock investments that drive inclusive growth and build long-term climate resilience in Zambia.”
Nathan Belete - Country Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, World Bank
“Zambia is effectively leveraging support from IDA, Trust Funds, and results-based payments to sustainably manage its natural resources by strengthening community livelihoods and enhancing resilience to climate change. The CIF Nature, People and Climate support provides critical investments into sustainable livelihoods to protect key forests and biodiversity natural assets."
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CIF Nature, People and Climate investment program
Zambia’s Investment Plan in brief – in full
