The CCCDMP seeks to support a regional programme that address critical risks, climate change, fragility, conflict, forced displacement and irregular migration. The programme intends to strengthen coherence in Denmark’s overall support to these areas and to enhance synergies with other similar efforts in the Sahel region.
The Danish CCDMP initiative channels DKK 800 million into combating climate change, conflict, and migration in the Sahel. In response to the escalating conflict, forced displacement, and climate change impacts in the Sahel, the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) has initiated the “Sahel Climate Change, Conflict, Displacement and Irregular Migration Programme (CCDMP).” Supported by OAM Consult and COWI, this programme, funded with DKK 800 million from 2021-2024, aims to enhance regional resilience by strengthening capacities to tackle the root causes of regional fragility. It integrates climate resilience into development efforts, aiming to mitigate risks and enhance regional cooperation to better support the Sahel’s vulnerable populations.
Comprehensive strategies supporting partners in the Sahel are essential to combatting increased conflict, forced displacement, and migration. The Sahel region presents both opportunities and challenges, with abundant resources and potential for growth alongside endemic problems such as low agricultural productivity, conflict, and insecurity. Recent political instability and governance issues exacerbate these challenges, leading to increased conflict, forced displacement, and migration. Climate change further compounds these issues, posing significant threats to livelihoods and exacerbating existing tensions over resources. Despite increasing investments, negative trends persist, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address climate change impacts, conflict, and fragility. However, capacity and resources remain limited, hindering effective interventions. Regional cooperation and integration of climate resilience into development initiatives offer potential solutions, but comprehensive data and inclusive metrics are lacking.
Designing the Danish International Development Agency’s support to partners in the Sahel. OAM Consult together COWI supported the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) in the drafting of their “Sahel Climate Change, Conflict, Displacement and Irregular Migration Programme (CCDMP)”. The programme seeks to strengthen national and regional capacities to address root causes of fragility that are fuelling conflict and forced displacement/migration in the Sahel, which are increasingly being exacerbated by climate change. The CCDMP was developed pursuant to the Danish Finance Act (FA) 2021, which includes an annual commitment of DKK 200 million each year from 2021-2024 (a total of DKK 800 million) to support a regional programme that address critical risks, climate change, fragility, conflict, forced displacement and irregular migration[1]. The programme intends to strengthen coherence in Denmark’s overall support to these areas and to enhance synergies with other similar efforts in the Sahel region.[2]
The overall programme objective of the DK funded (DKK 800 million) CCDMP is: To increase the resilience of vulnerable populations to the impacts of climate change by building their adaptive capacities, as well as those of national and regional partners, to address the root causes of fragility driving conflict, forced displacement and irregular migration.
[1] The programme was initially expected to begin in 2020. It was to cover both the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it was postponed and revised to target the Sahel. [2] In Danish ‘Nærområde’, which the Danish foreign and development cooperation policies refers to as: i) a geographical focus on areas which due to their proximity to conflicts, are exposed to problems of ‘forced migration’ in the form of refugees or IDPs; ii) a thematic dimension that addresses the broader efforts related to mixed migration flows, i.e., including irregular migration.
Key Take-aways
Youth Demographics: A Double-Edged Sword - The Sahel boasts a youthful population poised to drive change, but with over 70% of the population under 30, the region faces a critical challenge in providing adequate employment opportunities. Unemployment rates among youth surpass 30%, exacerbating social tensions and susceptibility to extremist recruitment.
Climate Crisis: Escalating Humanitarian Needs - Climate change-induced events have led to a surge in humanitarian crises, with over 5.4 million internally displaced and 2.1 million facing severe food insecurity. The frequency of extreme weather events has increased, stretching humanitarian responses and deepening socio-economic disparities.
Governance Deficits: Fuelling Instability - Worsening governance indicators, highlighted by recent coups and political instability, contribute to escalating conflicts and displacement. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have witnessed a ten-fold increase in violent events since 2016, underscoring the urgent need for governance reforms to stem the tide of instability.
Climate Finance Disparities: Hindering Resilience - Despite mounting climate risks, the Sahel receives a disproportionately small share of global climate financing, hindering resilience-building efforts. Limited absorptive capacity, bureaucratic hurdles, and fragmented initiatives impede the effective utilisation of available resources.
Gender Dynamics: Addressing Inequality - The Sahel grapples with the world's highest level of gender inequality, amplifying vulnerabilities and hindering inclusive development. Women and youth bear the brunt of climate impacts and conflict, necessitating targeted interventions to address gender disparities and empower marginalised communities.
