Africa’s climate adaptation: How Tanzania is transforming flood zones into resilient green spaces

In News:

Tanzania is implementing the Msimbazi Basin Development Project, a World Bank–funded initiative aimed at transforming flood-prone areas of Dar es Salaam into climate-resilient green spaces while relocating vulnerable communities.Key Points:

• Objective: To reduce flood risks, restore degraded ecosystems, and integrate climate adaptation into urban development.
• Features:
  • Relocation of residents from high-risk flood zones (e.g., Jangwani) to safer areas such as Madale.
  • River dredging, terracing, improved drainage, reconstruction of bridges, and creation of urban parks.
  • Funded through concessional loans under the International Development Association (IDA).
• Scale & Impact: Targets lower Msimbazi River Basin — home to ~330,000 people; project runs till 2028.
• Background:
  • Dar es Salaam — one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most flood-prone cities (70% population in informal settlements).
  • 2018 floods in the Msimbazi Basin caused $100 million damage (~2% of city GDP).
• National Context:
  • Tanzania faces increasing climate risks — erratic rainfall, severe floods, droughts.
  • Strategies include the National Climate Change Response Strategy (2021–2026), climate-proofing agriculture, and securing global climate finance.
• Funding Gap: Tanzania secures ~$786 million in climate financing vs. estimated $1.9 billion needed annually.
• Regional Cooperation: Collaborates with African Adaptation Initiative & East African Community Climate Change Strategy; transboundary projects in Lake Victoria Basin.
  
  Updated – August 11, 2025 | 5:51 pm IST | Source: DownToEarth