Climate Risk Management in Finnish Development Cooperation - Gaia

Climate risks for project outcomes
FinnWASH BG project approach and content (including institutional, environmental and technical
setting) are very similar to RWSEP, which was studied above. Taking note of the start of actual
FinnWASH implementation phase in July 2009, this initial screening reviews expected project
outcomes and strongly refers to analysis and findings of the RWSEP climate screening exercise.
The success of institutional development efforts in organizing water supply facilities will be decisive
for the achievement of FinnWASH project objectives. The provision of clean water in 5 woredas, for
250 000 people in approximately 600 communities will require a.o. the establishment of some 600-
700 water points, which are essential for delivering the expected services. 58 While climate change
and variability may have direct effects on the foreseen project infrastructure and implementation, it
may also pose some indirect risks related to social, human and institutional capacities necessary to
achieve the project outcomes.
Climate-induced direct risks for FinnWASH project outcomes could be related with extreme weather
events, such as droughts, floods and heavy rains. However, so far droughts and floods have not been
frequently reported in the programme woredas. While the programme area generally enjoys an
annual average rainfall amount in the range of +-1,000 mm the increased variability in rainfall
patterns (changed arrival of rains, intensiveness of rains etc) do already pose increased challenges
for local livelihoods and food security.
In the longer-term, continued temperature increase (by mid century projected to increase between
1°C and 3°C) could among other things pose risks to groundwater level, i.e. water scarcity risks at
some water points. With regards to other potential climate parameters (e.g. heat waves, cold
days/nights, storms, wild fires, etc), reportedly these do currently not pose any significant risks at
the project area.
In addition to these risks on the technical water supply system, project implementation could in
some cases be indirectly hampered by climate factors, e.g. due to limited access to project areas
caused by heavy rains or floods. Construction conditions of planned water infrastructure could be
worsened for the same reasons but these risks can be managed through sensible timing of project
activities.
Prior climate considerations
During project preparation, climatic hazards, in particular floods and droughts, have been identified
as the most serious external risks that might affect FinnWASH BG (in addition to overall peace and
stability in the region). The likelihood of these climate extremes has been assessed low but potential
impacts significant. These risks have been considered beyond control of the FinnWASH programme
58 Some 90% of the water points will be hand dug (into a depth of approximately 12-20 meters) and some 10% of the water
points will consist of “protected springs”.
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