Project Brief: Building Climate Resilience in the Landscapes of Kigoma Region, Tanzania
Project Title: Building Climate Resilience in the Landscapes of Kigoma Region
Implementing Entities: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Vice President’s Office of Tanzania, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Location: Kigoma Region, Northwestern Tanzania
Duration: 2024–2029
Budget: USD 19 million (plus USD 4.6 million co-financing)
Direct Beneficiaries: 570,000 people (1.2 million indirect beneficiaries)
1. Project Overview
The Kigoma region, located on the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, faces increasing climate risks, including unpredictable rainfall, frequent floods, severe dry spells, and rising temperatures. These challenges are compounded by high population growth, environmental degradation, and the presence of approximately 250,000 refugees from neighboring countries, mainly Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both host and displaced communities depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods, making them vulnerable to climate impacts.
This five-year project adopts an integrated, landscape-level approach to climate adaptation, aiming to restore degraded ecosystems, improve water security, and enhance the resilience of both host and refugee populations. It is a flagship example of using ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in humanitarian and development contexts.
Kigoma Region Context
Kigoma is one of the poorest regions in the country, with more than 32% of its population living below the poverty line, compared with ~26% nationally[1]. In some districts within Kigoma, the poverty rate exceeds 50% — including Kibondo district[2]. The region is characterised by generally low levels of economic development and its economy only contributes 3% to the national GDP[3]. Moreover, ~34% of the population of ~2.3 million people[4] is unemployed or underemployed[5]. This underdevelopment is compounded by the region’s relatively high population growth rate of 4.8% — higher than in the rest of the country (at ~3%[6]). The average size of households in Kigoma (seven members) is also much higher than in the rest of Tanzania (4.8 members). Contributing to population pressure in the region is the influx of refugees into Tanzania from neighbouring countries as a result of civil unrest and conflict. Most of Tanzania’s current refugees are hosted in the Kigoma region, which is home to a population of ~280,000 refugees (as of October 2019[7]) accounting for ~10% of the region’s total population. Of these refugees, most (~236,000) are accommodated in three UNHCR camps, namely: i) Mtendeli in Kakonko District, with a population of ~32,000; ii) Nduta in Kibondo District, with a population of ~73,000; and iii) Nyarugusu, in Kasulu District, with a population of ~131,000[8]. The presence of these refugees, the rising population of the region, as well as the continual subdivision of land within families have resulted in over-intensive agricultural practises which are placing increasing pressure on limited natural resources. These camps, and their host communities are the target of this project (Figure 1).
2. Key Components and Activities
A. Ecosystem Restoration and Conservation
Rehabilitate 261,000 hectares of forest and agro-ecological landscapes.
Promote community-based forest management and afforestation, including in and around refugee settlements.
Restore degraded watersheds to improve water availability for agriculture and domestic use.
B. Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
Support sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to increase food security.
Train local communities and refugees in climate-smart farming and alternative energy sources (e.g., bio-briquettes).
Strengthen market access for climate-resilient crops and products.
C. Integrated Land Use Planning
Develop and implement climate-resilient land use plans in Kasulu, Kakonko, and Kibondo districts.
Demarcate land for conservation, agriculture, and settlement to reduce conflict and environmental pressure.
D. Policy and Institutional Strengthening
Mainstream climate adaptation into regional and district development plans.
Enhance coordination between humanitarian, development, and environmental agencies.
E. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
Conduct vulnerability assessments and monitoring.
Raise awareness and build skills among local authorities, host communities, and refugees.
3. Expected Results and Impact
Directly benefits up to 570,000 people, including both host and refugee populations.
Improves and conserves 261,000 hectares of key ecosystems, supporting local livelihoods and biodiversity.
Reduces vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other climate hazards through nature-based solutions.
Enhances food security and water availability, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
Strengthens institutional capacity for integrated climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
4. Project Location: Kigoma Region Map Description
The Kigoma region is situated in northwestern Tanzania, bordering Lake Tanganyika. The project focuses on the districts of Kasulu, Kakonko, and Kibondo, which are home to both Tanzanian communities and large refugee populations (notably in Nduta and Nyarugusu camps).
Map Guidance for Insertion:
Insert a map of Tanzania, highlighting the Kigoma region in the northwest. Clearly indicate the districts of Kasulu, Kakonko, and Kibondo, as well as the location of Lake Tanganyika and major refugee camps (Nduta and Nyarugusu). This visual will help illustrate the project’s geographic focus and the proximity to international borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
5. Alignment with National and International Priorities
Supports Tanzania’s National Adaptation Plan and Sustainable Development Goals.
Demonstrates a model for integrating humanitarian, development, and climate adaptation efforts in regions hosting displaced populations.
6. Conclusion
This project exemplifies a holistic, landscape-level approach to climate adaptation in a region facing complex environmental and humanitarian challenges. By restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and strengthening institutions, it aims to secure a sustainable and climate-resilient future for both host and refugee populations in Kigoma.
Would you like a sample map image or further details on any of the project’s components?
Project Brief: Building Climate Resilience in the Landscapes of Kigoma Region, Tanzania
Project Title: Building Climate Resilience in the Landscapes of Kigoma Region
Implementing Entities: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Vice President’s Office of Tanzania, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Location: Kigoma Region, Northwestern Tanzania
Duration: 2024–2029
Budget: USD 19 million (plus USD 4.6 million co-financing)
Direct Beneficiaries: 570,000 people (1.2 million indirect beneficiaries)
1. Project Overview
The Kigoma region, located on the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, faces increasing climate risks, including unpredictable rainfall, frequent floods, severe dry spells, and rising temperatures. These challenges are compounded by high population growth, environmental degradation, and the presence of approximately 250,000 refugees from neighboring countries, mainly Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both host and displaced communities depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods, making them vulnerable to climate impacts.
This five-year project adopts an integrated, landscape-level approach to climate adaptation, aiming to restore degraded ecosystems, improve water security, and enhance the resilience of both host and refugee populations. It is a flagship example of using ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in humanitarian and development contexts.
Kigoma Region Context
Kigoma is one of the poorest regions in the country, with more than 32% of its population living below the poverty line, compared with ~26% nationally[1]. In some districts within Kigoma, the poverty rate exceeds 50% — including Kibondo district[2]. The region is characterised by generally low levels of economic development and its economy only contributes 3% to the national GDP[3]. Moreover, ~34% of the population of ~2.3 million people[4] is unemployed or underemployed[5]. This underdevelopment is compounded by the region’s relatively high population growth rate of 4.8% — higher than in the rest of the country (at ~3%[6]). The average size of households in Kigoma (seven members) is also much higher than in the rest of Tanzania (4.8 members). Contributing to population pressure in the region is the influx of refugees into Tanzania from neighbouring countries as a result of civil unrest and conflict. Most of Tanzania’s current refugees are hosted in the Kigoma region, which is home to a population of ~280,000 refugees (as of October 2019[7]) accounting for ~10% of the region’s total population. Of these refugees, most (~236,000) are accommodated in three UNHCR camps, namely: i) Mtendeli in Kakonko District, with a population of ~32,000; ii) Nduta in Kibondo District, with a population of ~73,000; and iii) Nyarugusu, in Kasulu District, with a population of ~131,000[8]. The presence of these refugees, the rising population of the region, as well as the continual subdivision of land within families have resulted in over-intensive agricultural practises which are placing increasing pressure on limited natural resources. These camps, and their host communities are the target of this project (Figure 1).
2. Key Components and Activities
A. Ecosystem Restoration and Conservation
Rehabilitate 261,000 hectares of forest and agro-ecological landscapes.
Promote community-based forest management and afforestation, including in and around refugee settlements.
Restore degraded watersheds to improve water availability for agriculture and domestic use.
B. Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
Support sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to increase food security.
Train local communities and refugees in climate-smart farming and alternative energy sources (e.g., bio-briquettes).
Strengthen market access for climate-resilient crops and products.
C. Integrated Land Use Planning
Develop and implement climate-resilient land use plans in Kasulu, Kakonko, and Kibondo districts.
Demarcate land for conservation, agriculture, and settlement to reduce conflict and environmental pressure.
D. Policy and Institutional Strengthening
Mainstream climate adaptation into regional and district development plans.
Enhance coordination between humanitarian, development, and environmental agencies.
E. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
Conduct vulnerability assessments and monitoring.
Raise awareness and build skills among local authorities, host communities, and refugees.
3. Expected Results and Impact
Directly benefits up to 570,000 people, including both host and refugee populations.
Improves and conserves 261,000 hectares of key ecosystems, supporting local livelihoods and biodiversity.
Reduces vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other climate hazards through nature-based solutions.
Enhances food security and water availability, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
Strengthens institutional capacity for integrated climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
4. Project Location: Kigoma Region Map Description
The Kigoma region is situated in northwestern Tanzania, bordering Lake Tanganyika. The project focuses on the districts of Kasulu, Kakonko, and Kibondo, which are home to both Tanzanian communities and large refugee populations (notably in Nduta and Nyarugusu camps).
Map Guidance for Insertion:
Insert a map of Tanzania, highlighting the Kigoma region in the northwest. Clearly indicate the districts of Kasulu, Kakonko, and Kibondo, as well as the location of Lake Tanganyika and major refugee camps (Nduta and Nyarugusu). This visual will help illustrate the project’s geographic focus and the proximity to international borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
5. Alignment with National and International Priorities
Supports Tanzania’s National Adaptation Plan and Sustainable Development Goals.
Demonstrates a model for integrating humanitarian, development, and climate adaptation efforts in regions hosting displaced populations.
6. Conclusion
This project exemplifies a holistic, landscape-level approach to climate adaptation in a region facing complex environmental and humanitarian challenges. By restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and strengthening institutions, it aims to secure a sustainable and climate-resilient future for both host and refugee populations in Kigoma.
Would you like a sample map image or further details on any of the project’s components?
Project Brief: Building Climate Resilience in the Landscapes of Kigoma Region, Tanzania
Project Title: Building Climate Resilience in the Landscapes of Kigoma Region
Implementing Entities: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Vice President’s Office of Tanzania, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Location: Kigoma Region, Northwestern Tanzania
Duration: 2024–2029
Budget: USD 19 million (plus USD 4.6 million co-financing)
Direct Beneficiaries: 570,000 people (1.2 million indirect beneficiaries)
1. Project Overview
The Kigoma region, located on the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, faces increasing climate risks, including unpredictable rainfall, frequent floods, severe dry spells, and rising temperatures. These challenges are compounded by high population growth, environmental degradation, and the presence of approximately 250,000 refugees from neighboring countries, mainly Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both host and displaced communities depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods, making them vulnerable to climate impacts.
This five-year project adopts an integrated, landscape-level approach to climate adaptation, aiming to restore degraded ecosystems, improve water security, and enhance the resilience of both host and refugee populations. It is a flagship example of using ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in humanitarian and development contexts.
Kigoma Region Context
Kigoma is one of the poorest regions in the country, with more than 32% of its population living below the poverty line, compared with ~26% nationally[1]. In some districts within Kigoma, the poverty rate exceeds 50% — including Kibondo district[2]. The region is characterised by generally low levels of economic development and its economy only contributes 3% to the national GDP[3]. Moreover, ~34% of the population of ~2.3 million people[4] is unemployed or underemployed[5]. This underdevelopment is compounded by the region’s relatively high population growth rate of 4.8% — higher than in the rest of the country (at ~3%[6]). The average size of households in Kigoma (seven members) is also much higher than in the rest of Tanzania (4.8 members). Contributing to population pressure in the region is the influx of refugees into Tanzania from neighbouring countries as a result of civil unrest and conflict. Most of Tanzania’s current refugees are hosted in the Kigoma region, which is home to a population of ~280,000 refugees (as of October 2019[7]) accounting for ~10% of the region’s total population. Of these refugees, most (~236,000) are accommodated in three UNHCR camps, namely: i) Mtendeli in Kakonko District, with a population of ~32,000; ii) Nduta in Kibondo District, with a population of ~73,000; and iii) Nyarugusu, in Kasulu District, with a population of ~131,000[8]. The presence of these refugees, the rising population of the region, as well as the continual subdivision of land within families have resulted in over-intensive agricultural practises which are placing increasing pressure on limited natural resources. These camps, and their host communities are the target of this project (Figure 1).
2. Key Components and Activities
A. Ecosystem Restoration and Conservation
Rehabilitate 261,000 hectares of forest and agro-ecological landscapes.
Promote community-based forest management and afforestation, including in and around refugee settlements.
Restore degraded watersheds to improve water availability for agriculture and domestic use.
B. Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
Support sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to increase food security.
Train local communities and refugees in climate-smart farming and alternative energy sources (e.g., bio-briquettes).
Strengthen market access for climate-resilient crops and products.
C. Integrated Land Use Planning
Develop and implement climate-resilient land use plans in Kasulu, Kakonko, and Kibondo districts.
Demarcate land for conservation, agriculture, and settlement to reduce conflict and environmental pressure.
D. Policy and Institutional Strengthening
Mainstream climate adaptation into regional and district development plans.
Enhance coordination between humanitarian, development, and environmental agencies.
E. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
Conduct vulnerability assessments and monitoring.
Raise awareness and build skills among local authorities, host communities, and refugees.
3. Expected Results and Impact
Directly benefits up to 570,000 people, including both host and refugee populations.
Improves and conserves 261,000 hectares of key ecosystems, supporting local livelihoods and biodiversity.
Reduces vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other climate hazards through nature-based solutions.
Enhances food security and water availability, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
Strengthens institutional capacity for integrated climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
4. Project Location: Kigoma Region Map Description
The Kigoma region is situated in northwestern Tanzania, bordering Lake Tanganyika. The project focuses on the districts of Kasulu, Kakonko, and Kibondo, which are home to both Tanzanian communities and large refugee populations (notably in Nduta and Nyarugusu camps).
Map Guidance for Insertion:
Insert a map of Tanzania, highlighting the Kigoma region in the northwest. Clearly indicate the districts of Kasulu, Kakonko, and Kibondo, as well as the location of Lake Tanganyika and major refugee camps (Nduta and Nyarugusu). This visual will help illustrate the project’s geographic focus and the proximity to international borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
5. Alignment with National and International Priorities
Supports Tanzania’s National Adaptation Plan and Sustainable Development Goals.
Demonstrates a model for integrating humanitarian, development, and climate adaptation efforts in regions hosting displaced populations.
6. Conclusion
This project exemplifies a holistic, landscape-level approach to climate adaptation in a region facing complex environmental and humanitarian challenges. By restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and strengthening institutions, it aims to secure a sustainable and climate-resilient future for both host and refugee populations in Kigoma.
Would you like a sample map image or further details on any of the project’s components?