Locally-led climate action
Extreme heatwaves, flooding, and rising sea levels affect each region differently. Yet, the most vulnerable communities, with lives and livelihoods already threatened, face the greatest challenges that will only intensify in the coming years and decades.
If we want more equitable lives for all and to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, the only way forward is to take climate action globally. However, climate action that is sensitive and specific to local contexts needs to be locally-led so communities can adapt and become more resilient.
At SNV, we are committed to contributing to climate action through our local presence and partnerships, in-depth contextual and technical knowledge and experience across sectors and regions. We collaborate with key actors in local communities to adapt to climate impacts by building climate-resilient food systems, improving water security, and unlocking climate finance for locally-led initiatives.
Climate finance
Current climate finance falls short, limiting local businesses' ability to scale solutions that drive climate resilience. Unlocking and de-risking investments through innovative finance mechanisms is essential for effective, locally-led climate action. SNV collaborates with local organisations, de-risking investments and building a business case to attract global financing. By involving private and multinational partners, we connect local businesses with much-needed climate finance.
Discover inspiring examples of locally-led climate action:
In Vietnam, grants and technical support have enabled Camimex, the country’s largest shrimp processor, to overcome barriers and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
In Southern and Eastern Africa, early-stage grant financing supports the development of locally-driven innovative clean energy projects.
Targeted technical assistance is boosting the operational efficiency of agri-businesses and farmer groups preparing them for investment across ten countries in Africa.
Climate-resilient food systems
Smallholder farmers face unpredictable weather, drought, floods, and soil degradation, which threaten their livelihoods and food security. Building resilience for farmers is essential to ensuring food security and reducing inequalities. SNV empowers farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt to climate change, including climate-resilient agricultural practices, access to resilient seed varieties, and better water management.
Discover inspiring examples of locally-led climate action:
In Kenya and Rwanda, the use of organic inputs, mulching and diversifying crops contribute to the prevention of soil erosion.
In Vietnam, farmers produce sustainable coffee and use digital monitoring tools to reduce deforestation due to agricultural expansion.
In Burkina Faso, agro-pastoralists are leveraging real-time weather and market information from the GARBAL digital service for better livestock management.
Water security
Climate change severely threatens freshwater resources, worsening pollution and ecosystem degradation. The impacts of extreme weather events, for example, are not experienced equally, with many communities often lacking the support and resources needed to cope effectively. SNV and its partners contribute to water security for all by co-creating locally-led water governance and management systems that are equitable and sustainable. This approach ensures that everyone can adapt to current and future challenges while protecting the natural environment.
Discover inspiring examples of locally-led climate action:
A community in Benin cleared close to 16,000 linear metres of waterway to reduce flooding and create land to grow food crops.
Enhanced data collection and management by city governments across Africa and Asia has significantly improved sanitation services for low-income communities.
Women and people with disabilities in Bhutan, Lao PDR, and Nepal are involved as equal partners in co-designing climate-resilient WASH systems.
Equity and inclusion
Women, youth, and marginalised groups often bear the brunt of climate impacts but are under-represented in climate decision-making. Achieving true climate resilience requires addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring diverse voices are represented in climate action. SNV champions inclusive climate projects that amplify these voices and promote equitable outcomes.
Discover inspiring examples of locally-led climate action:
Tackling migration by fostering sustainable local economies, creating green jobs, and supporting development in Ghana.
Introducing inclusive methods of decision-making, governance, and management of WASH services in Bhutan, Lao PDR and Nepal, which expands opportunities for women and people with disabilities.
Supporting youth in green employment and enterprise in agriculture and energy sectors in Zimbabwe.
