World Vision has launched a $280 million regional initiative aimed at helping 4 million children and their families across West and Central Africa withstand climate shocks, food insecurity and economic hardships by 2030.
The initiative, known as Rooted Resilience, was officially launched in Dakar, Senegal, on Oct. 28, with a focus on strengthening household livelihoods, improving food security and helping communities recover from droughts, floods, conflict and other crises.
The programme comes amid growing concerns over food insecurity across the region, with an estimated 50 million to 55 million people facing acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, according to the World Food Programme.
In Kenya, arid and semi-arid lands, including Garissa and other parts of Northern Kenya, are increasingly adopting climate-adapted agriculture, land restoration and sustainable livelihood strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on pastoralist and farming households.
Recurring droughts, unpredictable rainfall, livestock losses and rising economic pressures have left many families vulnerable to food shortages and disruptions to their sources of income.
World Vision said the initiative would build on existing community resilience programmes, including climate-smart agriculture, savings groups, environmental restoration and financial inclusion.
The organisation reported that more than 300,000 people across its programmes are already engaged in climate-adapted agricultural practices, while more than 100,000 hectares of land have been restored or conserved.
More than 400,000 people are also participating in savings groups designed to strengthen household financial security and help families cope with unexpected economic shocks.
World Vision estimates that approximately $280 million will be required to implement the initiative, with about $85 million expected to come from existing resources. The organisation plans to mobilise additional funding through partnerships with governments, donors, private-sector institutions and development agencies.
Carla Denizard, World Vision’s regional leader for West Africa, said the initiative was informed by decades of experience working with vulnerable communities and the need to sustain development gains amid changing environmental and economic conditions.
Margaret Schuler, World Vision US chief impact officer and senior vice president, said long-term resilience required integrated solutions that enable families to protect their livelihoods and provide safer, more stable futures for their children.
The initiative also seeks to expand access to financial services. VisionFund International CEO Edgar Martinez said access to appropriate financial services could help families protect their assets, strengthen livelihoods and recover more quickly from crises.
Although the initiative targets West and Central Africa, its emphasis on climate resilience, food security and sustainable livelihoods raises important questions about how similar approaches and financing opportunities could benefit vulnerable communities in other drought-prone parts of the continent, including Northern Kenya.
World Vision said it would continue engaging governments, research institutions, donors, private-sector organisations and local partners to scale up community-led solutions.
For Garissa and other arid and semi-arid regions, the initiative underscores the importance of increased investment in sustainable livelihoods, climate adaptation and financial protection to reduce the impact of recurring shocks on vulnerable households.
