The World Bank has committed $160 million to bolster water access and climate resilience in Chad’s most vulnerable regions, directly impacting one million people, including over half a million women.
Strategic investment to address water scarcity and climate shocks
The funding, provided through the International Development Association (IDA), will support the Water Security and Resilience Support Project (WASRSP) in Chad. This initiative targets provinces grappling with extreme climate variability, forced displacement, and resource scarcity, aiming to restore essential services and foster long-term stability.
The project focuses on three core pillars: sustainable water management, community capacity building, and infrastructure upgrades resilient to climate impacts. By addressing droughts, erratic rainfall, and land degradation, the WASRSP seeks to reduce tensions over dwindling resources while improving living conditions for displaced populations and host communities.
Fostering stability in fragile regions
With over 1.3 million Sudanese refugees settled in eastern Chad, pressure on water and land resources has intensified, fueling community conflicts. The World Bank’s investment will prioritize regions hosting refugees, including N’Djamena and other high-risk areas. Half of the $160 million allocation—$80 million—comes from the Host Communities and Refugees Window (HCRW), reflecting a dual commitment to humanitarian relief and developmental progress.
The initiative aligns with Chad’s Chad Connexion 2030 – Program 15, a national blueprint aimed at shifting from emergency aid to integrated development strategies. By integrating climate adaptation with economic opportunities, the project aims to break cycles of vulnerability and promote inclusive growth.
Empowering women and local governance
Women and girls, who often bear the brunt of water scarcity and climate-related displacement, will constitute over 50% of the beneficiaries. The project includes targeted interventions to enhance their participation in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices shape resource management policies. Local institutions will receive support to implement climate-smart agricultural practices, repair critical water systems, and expand access to sanitation in underserved areas.
“This investment goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about rebuilding trust and resilience in communities on the frontlines of climate change,” said Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Country Representative for Chad. “By tackling the root causes of fragility, we’re creating pathways to stability and shared prosperity.”
The initiative also underscores the World Bank’s broader strategy in the Sahel, where climate vulnerability and conflict intersect. By combining financial resources with technical expertise, the WASRSP exemplifies how targeted development can mitigate risks and pave the way for sustainable peace.
