5 April 2013: The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), operated by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has granted US$18.6 million, to be channeled through the African Development Bank (AfDB), for the development of climate-resilient water sectors in Sierra Leone, Uganda and Mauritania.

AfDB will coordinate with Governments to support poverty reduction and sustainable development, in line with the Bank’s commitment to support the effectiveness of the water sector in climate vulnerable LDCs.

Sierra-Leone will receive US$4 million to create an institutional framework and support water access and other activities conducive to climate-resilient management of the water and sanitation sectors. Uganda will receive US$8.3 million to build climate resilience in regions vulnerable to floods and drought, including funding for 500 hectares of community plantations, 300 sanitation facilities, and rainwater harvesting for over 800 households. In Mauritania, US$6.3 million will be used to advance the climate resilience of pastoral and forestry resources.

The LDCF was established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to finance the preparation and implementation of National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs). [AfDB Press Release] [IISD RS Story on LDC Work Programme]