South Sudan faces a critical convergence of climate vulnerability, conflict and humanitarian crises, ranking among the most fragile states globally. The north-western states, especially Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap, are particularly exposed to severe climate hazards such as recurring floods and heat stress. These conditions affect over 95 per cent of the population, who depend on climate-sensitive livelihoods like agropastoralism. Institutional capacity is weak, access to climate information and services is limited, and communities lack the resources to adapt. This situation further entrenches dependence on humanitarian aid and intensifies livelihood-based conflicts.

ECRF will build climate resilience in flood- and drought-prone areas of Northwestern South Sudan by strengthening institutional capacities, improving climate services, and supporting community-led adaptation and livelihoods. It adopts a comprehensive, multilevel strategy to build climate resilience across institutions and communities. Its three components focus on strengthening national and local institutional capacities to support climate adaptation and land restoration, enhancing climate and disaster risk services that inform and support resilient land and water management, and engaging with communities to initiate land rehabilitation.

As South Sudan’s first single-country project supported by GCF, its integrated approach is expected to benefit refugees, internally displaced people, returnees and host communities by building community-shared assets and easing tensions among communities.