The Government of Zambia has received US$ 14.6 million from the Climate Investment Fund as additional financing for the Zambia Strengthening Climate Resilience – Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR PHASE II) Project.
Ministry Of National Development Planning Spokesperson Chibaula Silwamba said the funds were approved on 18 June 2018 and will be effective on 15 September 2018.
Mr Silwamba said the extra resources are aimed at scaling up the existing successful PPCR sub-grant–funded project activities in the Barotse Sub-Basin.
He said the resources will focus on stimulating a private sector approach among producer groups, moving them from subsistence to market-level production, through inter-linked activities.
Mr Silwamba said there are over 800 community projects being implemented in 13 districts in Western Province and in Kazungula District, Southern province, being financed by the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience, a project under the Ministry of National Development Planning.
“The additional funds will allow for a 36-month extension of Zambia’s Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience (ZSPCR) – Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR Phase II) Project from 2019 to 2022. The PPCR Phase II is aimed at improving the livelihoods and resilience of rural communities in the Barotse Sub-basin which is being implemented with the support of the World Bank Group,” he said.
He said one of the goals of the ZSPCR is to explore the country’s private sector strengths that provide solid foundation for economic growth and job creation.
Mr Silwamba said the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience targets the poorest of the poor in the pilot districts who are mostly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
He said the Government has realised the valuable benefits of the PPCR projects hence the scaling up of these activities by building on the current successes on the ground with the additional funds.
Mr Silwamba said the outcome of the ZSPCR will lead to poverty alleviation, sustained economic and social prosperity in line with the Seventh National Development Plan and the Vision 2030.
