The selected Slovenian NGOs will implement development projects in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa to help local communities adapt to climate change, focusing on food security, climate-resilient agriculture and infrastructure, ecosystem protection and restoration, including access to water and sustainable water management. The empowerment of women and girls will be at the heart of all projects.

The project in Rwanda aims to improve the food security and economic situation of nearly 1,600 households. Caritas Slovenia will provide training on sustainable agricultural practices and educate local people on business practices. The project, which will involve 40,000 people, will distribute livestock, seeds, fruit trees, efficient water pumps and stoves. Four out of five African households still use open cookstoves, endangering the lives and health of women in particular and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Plans are underway to build water infrastructure, plant trees and raise awareness of sustainable resource use and the prevention of gender-based violence.

The project in Uganda, to be implemented by the Forum for Equitable Development, aims to build resilience to climate change through sustainable food and water supplies and to create decent living conditions for 5,000 urban refugees, 80% of whom are women and girls. The project will help improve food security through urban agriculture, aquaculture and beekeeping. The construction of new wells and water filters will provide the community with access to drinking water. Gender-segregated eco-toilets and sanitation facilities will improve menstrual hygiene for women and girls. In an existing safe house, the project will create new emergency facilities for victims of violence.

The project in Zambia, implemented by ADRA Slovenia, will create a honey park with indigenous plants and a fountain, and reforest 20 hectares of land, thereby contributing to the development of green infrastructure and serving as an educational tool to promote sustainable agriculture and beekeeping. The project aims to raise awareness among 100,000 members of the general public, 400 young people and 150 decision-makers and other key stakeholders on the importance of sustainable beekeeping for women's economic empowerment, climate change mitigation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. This will contribute to rural development, increase local self-sufficiency and help close the gender gap.

A strategic partnership for humanitarian aid will be concluded with Caritas Slovenia for a period of five years, with the aim of strengthening the emergency response to disasters and sudden humanitarian crises. In the event of major natural or other disasters in the partner countries, the strategic partner, in cooperation with the Ministry, will prepare a humanitarian response, including activities to save and protect human lives, provide shelter and essential life support items, services, food parcels, etc., and engage in rehabilitation and reconstruction.