Voices of resilience: Africa’s frontline communities face the climate challenge head on

Strengthening the capacities of frontline communities to understand and respond to climate change through training, education and awareness-raising initiatives. The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust empowers Maasai communities in Kenya through sustainable agriculture and resource management, promoting biodiversity and improving livelihoods. Similarly, the African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests uplifts women in Central and West Africa, integrating them into forest governance and climate action. Together, these initiatives champion community-led, inclusive environmental stewardship.

Ensuring that frontline communities have access to financial resources, technology and information to implement climate-resilient practices and initiatives. 

Creating avenues for frontline communities to engage with policymakers and influence climate change policies and actions at the local, national and international levels. The Women’s Environment & Development Organization plays a pivotal role on the global stage, advocating for gender equality and integrating a women’s perspective into environmental and climate policy-making processes. Meanwhile, the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance ensures the voices of Africans, especially women, are amplified in climate change negotiations, fostering a more inclusive and equitable policy environment across the continent.

Acknowledge and integrate women’s indigenous knowledge, skills and practices in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. IWONET, or the Indigenous Women Network, works to strengthen the role of indigenous women in natural resource management and promote the use of indigenous knowledge in climate resilience.

Strengthen networks and alliances among women, frontline communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to amplify their voices and increase their impact. The Network of African Women Environmentalists seeks to enhance the capacity of African women to influence climate change decisions and policies, promoting networking and information sharing among women across the continent.

Endorsed by 123 countries, this declaration emphasises collective action to build climate resilience in vulnerable countries and communities, particularly those affected by fragility, conflict or severe humanitarian needs. It focuses on enhanced financial support, strengthening technical and institutional capacities, and prioritising local ownership and results in climate adaptation and resilience efforts​.

Endorsed by over 60 countries, this partnership aims to integrate gender considerations into the implementation of the Paris Agreement. It focuses on creating equal job opportunities in emerging markets, facilitating finance to women and girls in climate-impacted regions, and advocating for gender-specific data collection. The conference has underscored the critical role of women in climate solutions, emphasising the need to mitigate climate change impacts on women and girls. Our next blog post highlights the important role that women play in scaling climate action.

• Supported by 123 countries, this declaration marks a major step in recognising the health impacts of climate change. It strives to place health at the centre of climate action and accelerate the development of climate-resilient, sustainable and equitable health systems. Notable financial commitments include USD300m from the Global Fund and USD100m from the Rockefeller Foundation, ensuring resources for health-related climate adaptation and resilience.

• This project, focusing on disaster risk reduction in African cities like Cape Coast, Lusaka and Port Louis, highlights the urgent need for tailored local solutions in building resilience against climate-induced hazards in rapidly urbanising and vulnerable communities. This initiative is particularly relevant for frontline communities facing increased risks due to climate change.