LocationsUNDP and ZDMC Strengthen Collaboration to Build Climate-Resilient Communities in Zanzibar
October 10, 2025
Participants follow a presentation during the inception meeting of the UNDP–ZDMC Joint Programme, “Integrated Innovations for Sustainable Development: Empowering Vulnerable Communities in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba,” held in Dar es Salaam.
Zanzibar continues to experience the growing impacts of climate change and recurring disasters that have resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, and economic setbacks. Over the years, the islands have witnessed repeated floods and other climate-induced hazards that have disrupted livelihoods and degraded the environment.
In 2024 alone, severe flooding led to multiple deaths and injuries and damaged more than 26,000 homes, highlighting the urgent need for stronger climate and disaster risk management systems. These impacts are largely driven by climate change, limited disaster risk financing mechanisms, unplanned settlements, and insufficient investments in preparedness and response. The lack of essential management plans, equipment, and data systems has further constrained Zanzibar’s ability to effectively prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters.
To address these challenges, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Zanzibar Disaster Management Commission (ZDMC) convened an inception meeting under the Zanzibar Joint Programme (ZJP) titled “Integrated Innovations for Sustainable Development: Empowering Vulnerable Communities in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba.”
The meeting, chaired by ZDMC Director Mr. Makame Khatib Makame, brought together government representatives, UNDP officials, and local stakeholders to discuss strategies for building community resilience and accelerating inclusive, climate-smart development in northern Zanzibar.
Among the key actions outlined during the meeting were:
● Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the economic and fiscal impacts of disasters in Zanzibar;
● Strengthening capacity building and awareness creation on climate and disaster risk financing; and
● Supporting the development of climate-resilient insurance solutions, beginning with seaweed farmers, one of the most vulnerable and climate-affected communities in the islands.
Speaking during the discussions, Mr. Makame emphasized the importance of addressing vulnerability as a pathway to eradicating poverty, stating that “when we reduce vulnerability, we reduce poverty.”
Mr. Makame Khatib Makame emphasized on fighting vulnerability to help alleviate poverty.
Ms. Josephine Laswai, National Project Coordinator for the UNDP Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF), highlighted the need for inclusive participation in resilience-building efforts. She stressed that youth—both male and female, in and out of school—should be involved in awareness and capacity-building programmes, noting that they bring innovation, energy, and local knowledge that are critical for strengthening climate and disaster preparedness.
Josephine Laswai (UNDP) National Coordinator IRFF also gave her views, emphasizing on youth involvement
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Abbas Kitogo, UNDP Program Specialist - Energy and Climate Change emphasized the importance of aligning the joint initiative with broader global, regional, and national climate adaptation frameworks, including National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and other commitments under the UNFCCC and COP processes.
Dr. Abbas Kitogo (in the middle) giving out his remarks during the meeting.
By 2027, the joint programme aims to ensure that people in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba, especially the most vulnerable, are better equipped to adapt to climate impacts, improve their livelihoods, and access inclusive, gender-responsive, and sustainable development opportunities. The UNDP–ZDMC collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing resilience and ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a climate-secure and sustainable Zanzibar.
“when we reduce vulnerability, we reduce poverty.”ZDMC Director Mr. Makame Khatib Makame
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