Enpower to Adapt: Creating Climate-Change Resilient Livelihoods through Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) in Namibia

The project was the first enhanced direct access (EDA) project approved by GCF Board in October 2016 with USD 10 million funding to enhance the resilience of local communities in Namibia to climate change through community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) strategies. The project aimed to provide grants for community-led adaptation activities to reduce vulnerability and increase adaptive capacity in CBNRM areas. The project exceeded targets significantly, benefiting 109,000 people (60% female) compared to the planned 76,500, and improving management of 7.1 million hectares through 54 CBOs.

Key achievements include over 11,573 households benefitting from improved water security and health outcomes, creation of 1,147 green jobs, establishment of 14 community enterprises, and installing 160 solar water pumps saving $180,000 annually in diesel costs.

Critical lessons learned emphasize the importance of comprehensive needs assessments before developing community engagement strategies, designing inclusive approaches considering language and cultural factors, and maintaining transparency through regular progress updates. The project highlighted that effective community engagement requires targeted messaging, continuous evaluation, and adaptation based on community feedback.

The exit strategic actions ensure financial sustainability through environmental levies support the continuity of community projects. Strengthening organizational sustainability by fostering networks and mentorship for community-based organizations (CBOs) enhances long-term support. Empowering communities to take ownership and engage in partnerships is key to sustaining project outcomes beyond external funding.

The pilot nature of Enhanced Direct Access provided valuable learning for future scaling, demonstrating that while not all elements may be self-sustainable, the approach successfully shifts from conventional intermediary-based funding to direct community access. The project's success in achieving 55% population coverage versus the 38% target validates EDA as an effective funding modality for communityled climate adaptation, contributing significantly to both national and local climate priorities.