The Paris Agreement stresses the urgency to reach targets for Climate Change adaptation and to support developing countries with funds, technology and strengthening their capacity. The participation of local actors (e.g. local government, civil society organizations and local communities) is essential to reach implementation targets faster and reduce future costs.

However, multilateral funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) support readiness and preparatory activities at national level and are not easily accessible to local actors for their own adaptation initiatives. For its Initial Demand-Driven Research & Innovation Outlook, AfriAlliance consulted representatives of water utilities, national authorities, river basin organisations and local actors (e.g. civil society organizations) to identify on-the-ground needs to support the readiness of the water sector in Africa to face Climate Change. They considered the lack of funding and/or difficulties securing funding as a common barrier to achieve their respective mandates and to prepare for Climate Change.