Dodoma, Tanzania – September 20, 2024
At a packed Policy Forum Breakfast Debate in Dodoma, Jamal Msami of REPOA delivered a compelling presentation on the critical choices, challenges, and enablers for Climate-Resilient Development (CRD) in Tanzania. Sponsored by the Irish Embassy in Tanzania, the event brought together key stakeholders from the government, civil society, and the private sector to discuss how Tanzania can navigate the complex path towards climate resilience.
A Holistic Approach to Climate Resilience
Msami emphasised that CRD is not just an endpoint but an ongoing process involving multiple actors and dimensions. Successful climate resilience will require integrating climate change mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development through coordinated efforts across governance, politics, and institutional practices. Ethics, values, and worldviews must deeply inform these actions.
At the heart of CRD is the balance between ensuring climate justice and equity, particularly for Tanzania’s most vulnerable populations, and meeting the country’s international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-35% by 2030, as per the National Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Why Climate Resilience Matters for Tanzania
Msami’s presentation painted a stark picture of Tanzania’s vulnerabilities. Ranked 145 out of 185 countries on the ND-GAIN Index for climate readiness, Tanzania faces significant economic risks if it fails to adapt to climate change. Without urgent action, the country could lose 1-2% of GDP annually by 2030 due to extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and rising sea levels.
The economic toll is already evident. Tanzania’s agricultural sector is losing approximately $200 million each year from climate-related risks, compounded by energy and water stress. With projections that flood damage alone could cost $60 million per year by 2050, the stakes for climate resilience are high.
Is Climate Resilience Only About Money?
While financial investment is crucial, Msami argued that CRD is about more than just securing funds. The debate must consider the delicate balance between mitigation and adaptation. While mitigation moderates climate risks, it can also limit adaptation options, particularly in energy-intensive sectors. At the same time, adaptation measures could inadvertently increase greenhouse gas emissions if not carefully planned.
Between 2015 and 2022, Tanzania received over $5 billion in climate-related development finance, with more than half directed towards adaptation. However, as Msami stressed, more financial support is needed, particularly for building local capacity, fostering innovation, and developing context-specific resilience strategies.
Challenges: Barriers to Achieving CRD
Msami did not shy away from the challenges Tanzania faces. Unsustainable development practices, combined with rapid urbanization and population growth, are increasing GHG emissions while straining Tanzania’s existing infrastructure. Governance and institutional frameworks remain insufficient to address the scope of the climate crisis, with many national development plans failing to fully consider current and future climate risks.
Despite the existence of a National Disaster Risk Management Strategy (2022-2027), Msami pointed out that its integration into broader development policies has been slow, and coordination among implementing agencies remains fragmented. Furthermore, while external financing opportunities have been identified, there is no domestic budget allocation for climate adaptation, leaving Tanzania vulnerable to future funding gaps.
Enablers: Pathways to a Resilient Future
Despite these challenges, Msami highlighted several opportunities that could accelerate Tanzania’s progress towards climate resilience. He noted the growing interest in impact investment and private sector participation in CRD, as well as the recent adoption of Carbon Trading Regulations, which could generate significant financial resources for climate adaptation and mitigation.
Msami also cited the National Disaster Management Strategy and Tanzania’s strong network of stakeholders—from government bodies to academic institutions and civil society—as critical enablers for achieving climate resilience. He stressed that with the right mix of political will, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking, Tanzania can overcome these challenges and build a sustainable, resilient future.
The Irish Embassy’s Support for Climate Action
The event’s sponsor, the Irish Embassy in Tanzania, reiterated its commitment to supporting climate resilience initiatives in the country. The embassy highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change, particularly in vulnerable nations like Tanzania. The Irish government has pledged to continue working with local partners to ensure that Tanzania can access the financial, technological, and policy tools it needs to achieve climate resilience.
Looking Forward
Msami’s presentation underscored that the choices Tanzania makes today will shape its climate future. By navigating the complex trade-offs between mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development, Tanzania can chart a path towards a more resilient, equitable society. However, this will require coordinated action from all stakeholders and a commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
As the event concluded, participants agreed that now is the time to act—before the costs of inaction become insurmountable.