PANAFRICAN CLIMATEUSTICE ALLIANCE

Gregory University,
Uturu - Nigeria

AFRICA
CLIMATECHANGEFU N D

ENHANCING STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION IN THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS (NDCs) IN ETHIOPIA
African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)TECHNOPOLICY BRIEF NO. 73
Nicholas Ozor
Alfred Nyambane

Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in
the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in
Ethiopia

Nicholas Ozor
Alfred Nyambane

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)AFRICA
CLIMATECHANGE
FUND

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is atransdisciplinary network of researchers, policymakers, private
sector actors and the civil society promo ng the genera on,
dissemina on, use and mastery of Science, Technology andInnova ons (STI) for African development, environmental
sustainability and global inclusion. In collabora on with likeminded ins tu ons, ATPS provides pla orms for regional andinterna onal research and knowledge sharing in order tobuild Africa’s capabili es in STI policy research, policymaking
and implementa on for sustainable development.
Published by the African Technology
Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
P. O. Box 10081, 00100- GPO,
Nairobi, Kenya©2024
ISBN: 978-9966-124-61-6

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Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
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Table of Contents
About the Project ....................................................................................... iv
About Africa Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)............................ vi
Acknowledgement...................................................................................... vii
Key Messages............................................................................................. viii
1. Introduc on ......................................................................................... 1
2. Ra onale for Stakeholder Par cipa on in NDC implementa on ........ 2
3. Methodology ....................................................................................... 3
4. Major Findings...................................................................................... 4
5. Conclusion............................................................................................. 11
6. Policy Recommenda ons..................................................................... 12
References............................................................................................ 13
ATPS Technopolicy Brief Series ............................................................ 14

Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
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iiiAbout the Project
The Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs), with it’s condi onal anduncondi onal commitments, are key by-products of the Agreement andrequire all the countries to spell out their intended ac ons, to address climatechange over a ﬁve year period in terms of adapta on, mi ga on, and meansof implementa on as well as opportuni es arising therefrom and sustainable
development co-beneﬁts for the con nent. Despite the Paris Agreement providing
li le guidance on what and how climate change adapta on would be includedin the NDCs, most African NDCs highlight a number of cross-cu ng strategies
to address their mi ga on ambi ons as well as their adapta on needs. Thisis purblind considering the con nent is already dealing with increased severity
and frequency of climate risks and hazards due to its geographical posi oning,
overreliance on climate-sensi ve produc on sectors such as agriculture,
tourism, resource, and infrastructure deﬁcit, and the limited adap ve capacityof the people.
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), in partnership with
the Pan-African Climate Jus ce Alliance (PACJA) and the West African Green
Economics Development Ins tute (WAGEDI), secured funding from the African
Development Bank (AfDB) through the African Climate Change Fund (ACCF) to
implement the “Building the Capacity of Selected sub-Sahara African Countries
to Eﬀec vely Measure Progress in their Na onally Determined Contribu ons’
Implementa on using Tracking Tools and Indexes” project aimed at enhancing
the capacity of selected sub-Saharan African countries to eﬀec vely monitor
and report on their Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs). The selected
countries include Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia,
Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The primary
goal is to develop and u lise tracking tools and indexes that will enable thesecountries to measure their progress in NDC implementa on accurately. Thisini a ve builds upon earlier collabora ons among ATPS, PACJA, and WAGEDI,
which involved the development of NDC implementa on monitoring andtracking tools in eight sub-Saharan African countries. The lessons learned fromthese earlier projects, as well as the networks and capaci es already established,
will provide a solid founda on for the current project. The collabora on aims toensure that par cipa ng countries can monitor their NDC progress and compare
their performance with other countries and regions in Africa.

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The project seeks to address a signiﬁcant gap in the capacity of sub-SaharanAfrican countries to track and report on the implementa on of their NDCs. The
ATPS operates through a network of Na onal Chapters in 30 countries, which
includes 27 African and 3 Diaspora chapters. These Na onal Chapters are led
by Focal Persons who provide intellectual and administra ve leadership at thecountry level. By leveraging this established network, the project aims to train
NDC implementa on focal persons and champions who will use the tracking andmonitoring tools developed through this ini a ve.

Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in EthiopiavAbout Africa Technology Policy Studies Network(ATPS)The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a transdisciplinary
network of researchers, policymakers, private sector actors and civil society
promo ng the genera on, dissemina on, use and mastery of Science,
Technology and Innova ons (STI) for African development, environmental
sustainability and global inclusion. The ATPS has over 5,000 members and 3000
stakeholders in over 51 countries in 5 con nents with ins tu onal partnerships
worldwide. We implement our programs through members in na onal chaptersestablished in 30 countries (27 in Africa and 3 Diaspora chapters in Australia, theUnited States of America, and the United Kingdom). In collabora on with likeminded ins tu ons, the ATPS provides pla orms for regional and interna onal
research and knowledge sharing in order to build Africa’s capabili es in STI policy
research, policymaking and implementa on for sustainable development.

viEnhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
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Acknowledgement
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) and its Partners Pan-African
Climate Jus ce Alliance (PACJA) and West African Green Economic Development
Ins tute (WAGEDI) express our sincere gra tude to all individuals andorganiza ons who contributed to the study on the implementa on of Ethiopia’s
Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs). We are also thankful to thevarious stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organiza ons, theprivate sector, and local communi es led by the Ethiopia ATPS Na onal Chapter
Coordinator for their invaluable insights and feedback. Their ac ve par cipa on
and collabora on have been instrumental in shaping a comprehensive andinclusive approach to climate ac on in Ethiopia. Special thanks to the project
team from all the partnering ins tu ons. Lastly, we acknowledge the ﬁnancial
and technical support provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB) throughits African Climate Change Fund (ACCF), without which this policy brief would
not have been possible.

Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
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Key Messages
 Ethiopia has set ambi ous targets in its updated Na onally Determined
Contribu ons (NDCs), aiming for a 68.8% reduc on in greenhouse gas
emissions by 2030 compared to a business-as-usual scenario. This commitment
underscores the na on’s dedica on to addressing climate change and fosteringa sustainable future. Eﬀec ve stakeholder par cipa on is crucial for the
successful implementa on of Ethiopia’s NDCs.
 Involving diverse groups such as local communi es, civil society organiza ons,
and indigenous peoples, in Ethiopia can leverage valuable local knowledge,
foster ownership, and ensure that climate strategies are tailored to the uniquecontexts and needs of the country.
 Strengthening policy coordina on mechanisms and fostering inclusive
governance structures are essen al for cohesive and integrated climate ac on.
This includes enhancing inter-ministerial and inter-agency coordina on,
establishing high-level task forces, and promo ng the involvement of women,
youth, and marginalized groups in climate policy decision-making processes.
 Mobilizing climate ﬁnance and other resources is cri cal for achieving
Ethiopia’s NDC targets. Establishing dedicated units within governmental
bodies to coordinate climate funding, engaging with interna onal climate
funds, and crea ng favourable regulatory frameworks can a ract private
sector investment and enhance funding for large-scale climate projects.
 Embracing technological innova on and promo ng green job crea on are pivotal
for enhancing Ethiopia’s climate resilience. Leveraging digital technologies
for data collec on and analysis, inves ng in renewable energy, sustainableagriculture, and eco-tourism, and recognizing indigenous knowledge can driveeﬀec ve climate strategies and foster sustainable livelihoods.

viii Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

1. Introduc on
Ethiopia, as a commi ed signatory to the Paris Agreement, has establishedambi ous Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) to signiﬁcantly reducegreenhouse gas emissions and bolster climate resilience. In its updated NDC
submi ed in 2021, Ethiopia set forth a target to achieve a 68.8% reduc on ingreenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the business-as-usual scenario.
Addi onally, the country aims to increase its forest coverage to 20% by 2030,
showcasing its dedica on to sustainable land management and biodiversity
conserva on (United Na ons Framework Conven on on Climate Change[UNFCCC], 2021). These goals are aligned with Ethiopia’s broader strategy totransi on towards a green economy, addressing both mi ga on and adapta on
needs in the face of climate change.
Achieving these ambi ous targets necessitates the concerted eﬀorts and ac ve
par cipa on of a wide array of stakeholders. Government agencies play a crucialrole in policy formula on and enforcement, while civil society organiza ons provide
grassroots support and advocacy. Local communi es are integral in implemen ng
on-the-ground ac ons, par cularly in areas such as reforesta on and sustainableagricultural prac ces. The private sector’s involvement is essen al for fostering
innova on, providing ﬁnancing, and implemen ng sustainable business prac cesthat align with the na onal climate objec ves. Eﬀec ve stakeholder par cipa on
ensures that climate strategies are tailored to local contexts, fostering a sense ofownership and accountability among all par es involved. It also promotes thedevelopment of innova ve and inclusive solu ons that are essen al for achieving
the NDC targets.
However, the path to robust stakeholder engagement in Ethiopia’s NDC
implementa on is fraught with challenges. These include limited ﬁnancial
resources, varying levels of awareness and capacity among stakeholders, andthe need for coherent and coordinated eﬀorts across diﬀerent sectors and levelsof government. Addressing these challenges requires a strategic approach to
stakeholder engagement, emphasizing the importance of capacity building, resource
mobiliza on, and crea ng pla orms for con nuous dialogue and collabora on.
This policy brief aims to illuminate the challenges and opportuni es associatedwith enhancing stakeholder engagement in Ethiopia’s NDC implementa on.
Diverse perspec ves and knowledge of all stakeholders can accelerate its progress
towards a sustainable and resilient future. The brief also provides ac onable
recommenda ons for policymakers, prac oners, and stakeholders to strengthen
engagement and ensure that Ethiopia’s climate ac ons are eﬀec ve, inclusive, andsustainable.
Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally 1
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

2. Ra onale for Stakeholder Par cipa on in
NDC Implementa on
Ethiopia is well-posi oned for successful NDC implementa on due to a conducive
environment that supports ac ve stakeholder involvement. The country’s
commitment to ambi ous climate targets, as demonstrated in its updated NDC, isbacked by a robust policy framework and a growing recogni on of the importanceof inclusive par cipa on. The Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy,
launched in 2011, provides a solid founda on for integra ng climate resilience into
na onal development plans. This strategy is further supported by various policies
and ini a ves aimed at promo ng sustainable development and environmental
conserva on.
The Ethiopian government has shown strong leadership and commitment toaddressing climate change, evident in its ac ve par cipa on in interna onal
climate agreements and eﬀorts to align na onal policies with global climate goals.
This dedica on fosters a collabora ve environment, building trust and encouraging
stakeholders to ac vely engage in the climate ac on process. Moreover, Ethiopia
boasts a vibrant civil society landscape, with numerous organiza ons dedicated toenvironmental advocacy and sustainable development. These organiza ons playa crucial role in raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and holding ins tu ons
accountable, ensuring that policies are tailored to local needs and contexts.
The private sector in Ethiopia is increasingly recognizing the poten al for green
investments and sustainable business prac ces, bringing innova on, technologicaladvancements, and ﬁnancial resources essen al for achieving NDC targets. Publicprivate partnerships are emerging as eﬀec ve mechanisms for leveraging private
sector capabili es in support of na onal climate goals. Addi onally, Ethiopia beneﬁts
from strong interna onal support and partnerships, which enhance its capacity to
implement NDCs through technical assistance, funding, and knowledge exchange.
Inclusive stakeholder par cipa on not only strengthens Ethiopia’s capacity
to address climate challenges but also fosters social cohesion and accelerates
progress towards a sustainable and resilient future. By engaging a wide rangeof stakeholders, including local communi es, civil society organiza ons, andthe private sector, Ethiopia can leverage diverse perspec ves and exper se,
promo ng adap ve governance and ensuring that climate strategies remain
eﬀec ve and relevant. This collabora ve approach enables Ethiopia to harness
the full poten al of its diverse stakeholders, making signiﬁcant strides towards
achieving its ambi ous climate targets.
2 Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

3. Methodology
The development of this policy brief is based on a robust methodology that
includes both qualita ve and quan ta ve research approaches. The research
process involved several key steps: literature review, data collec on, data analysis,
and synthesis of ﬁndings. Each of these steps was designed to ensure that thepolicy brief is grounded in evidence and provides a comprehensive understandingof stakeholder par cipa on in Ethiopia’s NDC implementa on. The literature
review involved a thorough examina on of exis ng documents and reports related
to Ethiopia’s climate policies, stakeholder par cipa on, and NDC implementa on.
Key sources included na onal policy documents, academic ar cles, and reports
from interna onal organiza ons. The literature review helped to contextualize
the study and iden fy key themes and issues related to stakeholder par cipa on.
Data collec on was carried out using a mix of primary and secondary methods.
Primary data collec on involved key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group
discussions (FGDs) with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government
oﬃcials, civil society organiza ons, private sector representa ves, and community
leaders. These interviews and discussions provided valuable insights into theexperiences, perspec ves, and challenges faced by diﬀerent stakeholders in the
NDC implementa on process. Secondary data collec on involved desk studies
of relevant documents, such as na onal climate policies, NDC reports, andstakeholder mapping and analysis reports. This data helped to supplement the
primary data and provide a broader understanding of the stakeholder landscapein Ethiopia. Data analysis involved both narra ve and quan ta ve methods.
Narra ve analysis was used to interpret the qualita ve data from interviews andfocus groups, iden fying key themes and pa erns. Quan ta ve analysis tools
were used to analyze secondary data, such as stakeholder mapping reports, toiden fy trends and gaps in stakeholder par cipa on.

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34. Major Findings
4.1 Overview of Key Policies and Ins tu ons involved in NDC implementa on
in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has established a robust ins tu onal framework to coordinate andimplement its NDC targets. The Environmental Protec on Authority (EPA), under
the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, serves as the na onal
focal point for climate change ini a ves1. Central to these eﬀorts is the Climate
Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, established in 2011, which aims to build a
middle-income green economy by 2025. The CRGE Strategy focuses on integra ng
climate resilience and green economy principles into na onal development
planning, targe ng key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, power, transport,
industry, and buildings. Complemen ng this is the Growth and Transforma on
Plan (GTP), with its two phases (GTP I from 2010-2015 and GTP II from 20152020), which emphasize sustainable development and poverty reduc on while
incorpora ng the goals of the CRGE.
In addi on to these plans, Ethiopia has developed a Na onal Adapta on Plan
(NAP) to iden fy and address medium- and long-term adapta on needs across
cri cal areas like agriculture, water, health, and infrastructure. This plan ensuresthat climate adapta on is mainstreamed into sectoral planning. Further suppor ng
these eﬀorts is Ethiopia’s Forest Development, Conserva on, and U liza on Policy,
which promotes sustainable forest management and conserva on by enhancing
forest governance and expanding reforesta on and aﬀoresta on eﬀorts.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MEFCC) is the leadagency for the coordina on and implementa on of these climate policies,
overseeing the CRGE strategy, and managing climate ﬁnance. The Ministry of
Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) plays a crucial role in integra ng
climate ﬁnance into na onal budge ng and planning, ensuring that economic
policies align with climate objec ves. The Na onal Planning Commission (NPC)
is responsible for the strategic planning and monitoring the progress of GTP and
CRGE implementa on, ensuring the integra on of climate goals into na onal
development plans.
Regulatory oversight and enforcement of environmental policies are provided
by the Ethiopian Environmental Protec on Authority (EPA), which conducts
environmental impact assessments and ensures policy enforcement. Regional
and local governments are essen al in implemen ng na onal policies at the local
level, involving communi es in local planning and the execu on of adapta on
1

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h ps://www.epa.gov.et/topics/climate-change
Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
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and mi ga on projects. The Ethiopian Climate Innova on Center (ECIC) supports
green businesses and technology innova ons by providing funding, technicalsupport, and incuba on services to climate-friendly enterprises.
Civil society and non-governmental organiza ons (NGOs) play a vital rolein advocacy, capacity building, and implementa on support. They engage
communi es, promote awareness, and support grassroots ini a ves. Interna onal
partners and donors provide cri cal ﬁnancial and technical assistance, funding
projects, oﬀering exper se, and facilita ng knowledge transfer.
To ensure eﬀec ve coordina on, Ethiopia has established several mechanisms.
The CRGE Facility, managed by MEFCC and MoFED, acts as a centralized body forfunding and the coordina on of CRGE ini a ves. An Inter-Ministerial Steering
Commi ee provides high-level coordina on among ministries to integrate
climate goals across sectors. Addi onally, technical commi ees composed ofexperts from various ﬁelds oﬀer guidance and support for NDC implementa on.
Together, these policies and ins tu ons form a comprehensive framework thatdrives Ethiopia’s eﬀorts to achieve its NDC targets, fostering a coordinated, mul sectoral approach to building a climate-resilient and sustainable green economy.
4.2 Best Prac ces and Impacts on NDC Implementa on in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has made signiﬁcant strides in implemen ng its NDC targets, with notableachievements and best prac ces observed:-The implementa on of the Produc ve Safety Net Program (PSNP): Ethiopia’s
Produc ve Safety Net Program (PSNP) has integrated climate-smart ini a ves,
including soil and water conserva on measures, beneﬁ ng over 8 million people(World Bank, 2020). Launched in 2005, PSNP aims to address food insecurity
and build resilience among vulnerable rural popula ons aﬀected by recurrent
droughts and climate variability. By 2020, PSNP had expanded its scope to include
climate resilience components such as sustainable land management prac ces,aﬀoresta on, and improved water harves ng techniques. These ini a ves have
not only enhanced food security but also strengthened community resilience
to climate shocks, contribu ng to sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduc on
across Ethiopia’s rural areas.
-The Sustainable Land Management Program (SLMP): Ethiopia’s Sustainable Land
Management Program (SLMP), launched in 2008, has successfully implemented
land rehabilita on and watershed management ac vi es, contribu ng to therestora on of over 15 million hectares of degraded land by 2018 (World Bank, 2018).
The program focuses on comba ng land degrada on, enhancing soil fer lity, andimproving water resource management through community-based approaches.
Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
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5SLMP integrates sustainable land use prac ces such as terracing, agroforestry,and reforesta on to restore degraded landscapes and mi gate the impacts ofclimate change. By empowering local communi es and promo ng par cipatory
approaches, SLMP has not only improved environmental sustainability but alsoenhanced agricultural produc vity and resilience to climate variability, beneﬁ ng
millions of people dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods in Ethiopia.
-Engagement of local communi es in sustainable forest management throughthe Par cipatory Forest Management (PFM) approach: The PFM promotes thesustainable use of forest resources, enhancing biodiversity and environmental
health by ac vely engaging communi es in the decision-making and management
processes. This approach not only helps in conserving forests but also provides
economic beneﬁts to local popula ons through ac vi es such as eco-tourism,
non- mber forest products, and sustainable mber harves ng. Local communi es
were involved in sustainable forest management, resul ng in increased forest
cover and improved livelihoods (Food and Agriculture Organiza on [FAO], 2018).
-The establishment of the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Facility in
Ethiopia: was established in 2011, has mobilized over $200 million in climate
ﬁnance to support adapta on and mi ga on ini a ves across various sectors2.
Key eﬀorts include promo ng drought-resistant crops, enhancing water resource
management, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, and inves ng in
renewable energy and reforesta on programs. The facility aims to build a climateresilient green economy by 2030, integra ng climate resilience into na onal
development plans. It focuses on capacity building, community involvement,
policy integra on, and robust monitoring to ensure eﬀec ve implementa on
and sustainable impact, despite challenges in sustainable ﬁnancing, coordina on,scalability, and innova on
4.3 Challenges to Stakeholder Par cipa on in NDC Implementa on
Despite the progress made, several challenges hinder eﬀec ve stakeholder
par cipa on in Ethiopia’s NDC implementa on:-Limited ﬁnancial resources: Ethiopia faces signiﬁcant challenges due to limited
ﬁnancial resources for climate ac on. Despite eﬀorts to mobilize funds, thecountry con nues to grapple with insuﬃcient funding for comprehensive climate
resilience projects. For instance, in 2020, Ethiopia received approximately $150
million in climate ﬁnance, but this falls short of the es mated $3.5 billion needed
annually for climate adapta on and mi ga on. This gap hampers stakeholder
engagement and capacity-building eﬀorts due to insuﬃcient funds to support and26https://crgefacility.org/about-crge-facility/
Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
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mobilize the needed inclusive and eﬀec ve climate ac ons that will ensure robust
implementa on of the NDCs.
-Capacity constraints: Many stakeholders in Ethiopia, especially at the local level,lack the technical exper se and knowledge required for eﬀec ve par cipa on inclimate ac on. Only about 30% of municipali es have staﬀ trained in environmental
management, highligh ng capacity gaps in local governance. Strengthening
technical skills and knowledge through targeted training programs is crucial toempower communi es and enhance their ability to contribute meaningfully to
climate resilience eﬀorts.
-Policy coordina on and integra on: Ethiopia faces challenges in coordina ng
climate policies across diﬀerent sectors and levels of government. While the CRGE
strategy aims to integrate climate resilience into na onal development plans,
coordina on gaps persist. For example, policies related to agriculture, water
management, and energy some mes lack alignment with na onal climate goals,
hindering coherent stakeholder engagement and the eﬀec ve implementa on ofclimate ini a ves.
-Data and informa on gaps: Ethiopia struggles with limited data and informa on
systems for climate decision-making. Only 10% of the country’s land is coveredby climate monitoring sta ons, which aﬀects the availability of reliable data for
informed decision-making. Improving data collec on, analysis, and dissemina oncapabili es is crucial to enhance stakeholder involvement and support evidencebased policy formula on.
-Limited awareness and capacity: Low awareness and understanding of climatechange issues among some stakeholder groups in Ethiopia pose challenges totheir meaningful par cipa on in climate ac on. For example, awareness ofclimate change impacts and adapta on strategies is generally low among ruralcommuni es. Scaling up educa on and awareness-raising ini a ves is essen al
to build capacity and foster proac ve engagement among diverse stakeholders.
-Uncoordinated stakeholder engagement: Stakeholder engagement eﬀorts inEthiopia are o en fragmented and lack a systema c approach across sectors
and levels of government. This fragmenta on undermines the eﬀec veness ofclimate ac on coordina on and reduces the impact of stakeholder contribu ons.
Enhancing coordina on mechanisms and fostering mul -sectoral collabora on isessen al to maximize stakeholder involvement in climate ini a ves.

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-Power dynamics and inclusivity: Exis ng power imbalances and marginaliza onof certain stakeholder groups, such as women, youth, and indigenous communi es,
hinder their meaningful par cipa on in climate decision-making processes in
Ethiopia. For instance, women cons tute less than 20% of leadership roles inenvironmental governance. Addressing these dynamics through inclusive policies
and empowering marginalized groups is crucial to promote equitable par cipa on
and enhance the eﬀec veness of climate ac on eﬀorts.
-Policy and regulatory constraints: Gaps in policies and regula ons governing
stakeholder engagement and public par cipa on present barriers to inclusive
and eﬀec ve involvement in climate ac on in Ethiopia. For example, there is alack of speciﬁc regula ons to enforce climate-related commitments at the local
level. Strengthening policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms will create
an enabling environment that supports diverse stakeholder contribu ons andensures accountability in climate governance.
4.4
Opportuni es for Stakeholder Par cipa on in NDC Implementa on
Despite the challenges, several opportuni es exist to enhance stakeholder
par cipa on in Ethiopia’s NDC implementa on:-Policy reforms and ins tu onal strengthening focussing on reviewing andupda ng of relevant policies and ins tu onal frameworks to foster inclusive
governance and stakeholder engagement, thereby crea ng an enabling
environment for eﬀec ve par cipa on. This involves revising outdated regula ons
to align with current climate goals, enhancing transparency and accountability
within governmental and non-governmental organiza ons, and establishing clear
mechanisms for public involvement in decision-making processes. Strengthening
ins tu ons includes building capacity at all levels, from na onal to local, ensuringthat they are equipped with the necessary resources and exper se to implement
climate ini a ves eﬀec vely. Promo ng inclusive governance aims to engage
a broad range of stakeholders, including local communi es, civil society, theprivate sector, and interna onal partners, ensuring that diverse perspec ves are
considered and that climate ac ons are socially equitable and widely supported.
-Capacity-building and awareness-raising ini a ves have focused on inves ng
in comprehensive programs aimed at equipping stakeholders with the necessary
knowledge and skills for eﬀec ve par cipa on. This includes training sessions
and workshops tailored to diﬀerent sectors and levels of governance, enhancing
technical exper se in climate resilience, sustainable development prac ces, andenvironmental management. Awareness campaigns have been instrumental
in educa ng the public, including local communi es and businesses, about
the importance of climate ac on and sustainable prac ces. These eﬀorts not
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only strengthen ins tu onal capabili es but also foster a culture of proac ve
engagement and collabora on among diverse stakeholders, ensuring that Ethiopia’s
climate ini a ves are implemented with broad-based support and exper se.
-Civil society and community mobilisa on eﬀorts: have focused on strengthening
the role of civil society organiza ons (CSOs) and community-based groups tofacilitate grassroots engagement and ensure that local voices and perspec ves areintegrated into climate ac on plans. This has involved suppor ng and empowering
CSOs through capacity-building programs and providing training in advocacy,
project management, and environmental stewardship. Community-based groups
have been ac vely involved in local climate adapta on and mi ga on projects,
fostering ownership and sustainable prac ces at the grassroots level. By enhancing
the capacity of these organiza ons and groups, Ethiopia has promoted inclusive
decision-making processes and empowered communi es to contribute eﬀec vely
to climate resilience ini a ves. These eﬀorts have also encouraged collabora on
between government agencies, CSOs, and communi es, ensuring that climate
ac on plans are comprehensive, responsive to local needs, and socially inclusive.
-Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Ethiopia have focused on promo ng
collabora ons between the public and private sectors to unlock addi onal
resources, exper se, and innova ve solu ons for addressing climate challenges.
These partnerships have involved joint ini a ves aimed at promo ng sustainable
development prac ces, renewable energy projects, and climate-resilient
infrastructure investments. The private sector has contributed technical knowhow, investment capital, and innova on, while the public sector has provided
regulatory frameworks, policy support, and infrastructure development. PPPs
have enabled the sharing of risks and rewards between stakeholders, facilita ng
the implementa on of large-scale projects that contribute to climate mi ga on
and adapta on goals. By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, Ethiopia hasenhanced its capacity to address climate change eﬀec vely, promo ng economic
growth and environmental sustainability through collabora ve eﬀorts.
-Interna onal coopera on: Ethiopia has focused on engaging with interna onal
partners, organiza ons, and networks to facilitate knowledge sharing, resource
mobiliza on, and capacity-building support for stakeholder engagement inclimate ac on. This has involved collabora on with mul lateral ins tu ons,
bilateral partners, and global networks to access exper se, funding, and technicalassistance. Ethiopia has par cipated in interna onal climate nego a ons, aligningits commitments with global agreements such as the Paris Agreement, and hasleveraged interna onal pla orms to advocate for its climate priori es. Throughthese partnerships, Ethiopia has received ﬁnancial and technical support forEnhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

9implemen ng climate resilience projects, enhancing ins tu onal capabili es, andpromo ng sustainable development prac ces. Interna onal coopera on has alsoenabled Ethiopia to exchange best prac ces, learn from global experiences, andcontribute to global eﬀorts towards mi ga ng climate change impacts.
-Technological innova on: Ethiopia has leveraged digital technologies andinnova ve pla orms to enhance stakeholder par cipa on, informa on sharing,and monitoring and evalua on processes in climate ac on. By integra ng digital
tools such as geographic informa on systems (GIS), remote sensing, and mobile
applica ons, Ethiopia has improved data collec on, analysis, and decisionmaking capabili es. These technologies have facilitated real- me monitoring ofenvironmental changes, enhanced transparency in climate ini a ves, and enabled
broader public engagement. By embracing technological innova on, Ethiopia has
strengthened its ability to implement and monitor climate strategies eﬃciently,
fostering a more inclusive and responsive approach to tackling climate challenges.
-Green job crea on: Ethiopia has priori zed the promo on of green jobs
and sustainable livelihoods as part of its strategy to incen vize stakeholder
par cipa on and transi on towards a climate-resilient economy. This approach
includes ini a ves to develop renewable energy sectors, promote sustainableagriculture prac ces, and support eco-tourism ventures. By inves ng in training
programs, voca onal educa on, and entrepreneurship opportuni es in green
sectors, Ethiopia has empowered communi es to contribute to environmental
conserva on while enhancing their economic resilience. Green job crea on not
only supports climate mi ga on and adapta on goals but also fosters social equity
and inclusive economic growth, ensuring that the beneﬁts of environmental
stewardship are widely distributed across society.
-Recogni on of indigenous knowledge: Ethiopia recognizes the importanceof integra ng indigenous and tradi onal knowledge systems into its climate
strategies to enhance their relevance and eﬀec veness, while promo ng
inclusive par cipa on. Indigenous communi es possess valuable insights into
local ecosystems, weather pa erns, and sustainable land management prac cesthat are cri cal for adap ng to climate change impacts. Ethiopia has engaged
with indigenous groups through collabora ve partnerships, respec ng andincorpora ng their knowledge into decision-making processes and ecosystemmanagement plans. By acknowledging and integra ng indigenous knowledge,
Ethiopia has enriched its climate resilience eﬀorts with culturally appropriate
solu ons that strengthen community resilience and environmental sustainability,
fostering a harmonious rela onship between tradi onal wisdom and modern
climate strategies.
10 Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

5. Conclusion
Enhancing stakeholder par cipa on is crucial for the successful implementa onof Ethiopia’s NDCs and achieving the country’s climate goals. While progresshas been made, several challenges persist, including limited ﬁnancial resources,
capacity constraints, policy coordina on gaps, and inadequate stakeholder
engagement mechanisms. To overcome these challenges and leverage theopportuni es presented, a concerted eﬀort from policymakers, stakeholders, anddevelopment partners is essen al. Inves ng in capacity-building ini a ves, andpromo ng collabora ve partnerships in Ethiopia can unlock the full poten al ofits diverse stakeholder groups and accelerate progress towards a sustainable andresilient future. Achieving the NDC targets is not only crucial for addressing climatechange but also for promo ng sustainable development, enhancing food security,and improving the lives of communi es across Ethiopia. Embracing stakeholder
par cipa on as a cornerstone of its climate ac on eﬀorts will ensure ownership,
accountability, and innova ve solu ons that can be tailored to Ethiopia’s uniquecontexts and needs.

Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally 11
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

6. Policy Recommenda ons
To enhance stakeholder par cipa on in the implementa on of Ethiopia’s NDCs,
the following policy recommenda ons are proﬀered:
Recommenda on 1: Mobilize climate ﬁnance and other resources throughincreased alloca ons from the government and private sector: Ethiopia should
establish a Climate Finance Unit within the Ministry of Finance to coordinate
domes c and interna onal climate funding, engage with interna onal climate
funds, provide ﬁnancial incen ves, create favourable regulatory frameworks,
and facilitate public-private partnerships to a ract private sector investment andenhance funding for large-scale climate projects.
Recommenda on 2: Strengthen policy coordina on mechanisms to ensurecohesive and integrated climate ac on: Ethiopia must enhance inter-ministerial
and inter-agency coordina on under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment,
Forest, and Climate Change (MEFCC), establish a high-level climate change task
force, and conduct regular mul -stakeholder forums to foster collabora on andalign climate policies with na onal development goals.
Recommenda on 3: Improve data collec on and sharing systems to support
informed decision-making and evidence-based policy-making: Ethiopia needs toinvest in modernizing data collec on infrastructure, including weather sta ons
and remote sensing technologies, create a centralized climate data repository,
and enhance capacity for data analysis and dissemina on to monitor climate
ini a ves eﬀec vely.
Recommenda on 4: Foster inclusive governance structures to ensure equitablepar cipa on in climate ini a ves: Ethiopia should promote the involvementof women, youth, and marginalized groups in climate policy decision-making
processes, establish community-based adapta on commi ees, and ensure
governance structures are gender-responsive and socially inclusive for more
eﬀec ve climate outcomes.
Recommenda on 5: Promote gender equality and social inclusion in all climate
policies and programs: Ethiopia must design policies and programs that address
the speciﬁc needs of women and marginalized groups, implement genderresponsive budge ng and inclusive policy-making processes, and tailor training
and capacity-building programs to empower women and vulnerable communi es
to ac vely par cipate in climate ac on.
12 Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

References
United Na ons Framework Conven on on Climate Change. (2021). Ethiopia’s
Updated Na onally Determined Contribu on. Retrieved from h ps://unfccc.
int/sites/default/files/NDC/2022-06/Ethiopia%27s%20UpdatedNDC%20
FINAL%20%20Revised%20%20%2026012022_1326.pdf
World Bank. (2020). Ethiopia Produc ve Safety Nets Project. Retrieved fromhttps://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2020/06/24/ethiopia-productivesafety-nets-projectWorld Bank. (2018). Sustainable Land Management Project. Retrieved fromhttps://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/098501527031501936/pdf/
ETHIOPIA-LAND-BD-FINAL-05042018.pdf
Food and Agriculture Organiza on of the United Na ons. (2018). Par cipatory
Forest Management in Ethiopia: Learnings and Direc ons with Annotated
Bibliography. Retrieved from h ps://www.fao.org/3/i8787en/I8787EN.pdf

Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally 13
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

ATPS TechnoPolicy Briefs Series• Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No.
72)• Quelle Est La Place De La Science, De La Technologie Et De L’innova on Dans
L’emploi Des Jeunes Au Sénégal ? (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 71)• Using Science, Technology, and Innova on to Enhance Skills Development, Job
Crea on, and Entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 70)• Fostering the future and livelihood of young people in Uganda throughScience, Technology, and Innova on (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 69)• What is the place of Science, Technology, and Innova on in Youth Employment
in Senegal? (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 68)• Understanding Rwanda’s Science, Technology, and Innova on Landscape in
Youth Employment Crea on (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 67)• Leveraging Science, Technology, and Innova on for Enhanced Youth
Employment in Nigeria (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 66)• Unlocking the Poten al of Educa on and Skills for Suppor ng Youth
Employment in Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 65)• Harnessing Science and Technological Innova on for Youth Employment andSkill Acquisi on in Ghana (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 64)• Is Ethiopia’s Science, Technology, and Innova on Policy Landscape Eﬀec velyCrea ng Jobs and Fostering Skills for the Youth? (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No.
63)• University-Led Ecosystems for Sustained Innova on and Entrepreneurship
Development in Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 62)• Eco-innova on Policies for Sustainable Development in Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 61)• Ins tu onal Landscape for Eco-innova on Development in Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 60)• Policy and Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benin(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 59)• Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Kenya (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 58)• Policy and Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in
Senegal (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 57)• Advancing Ecological Organic Agriculture in Nigeria (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief
No. 56)• Policy and Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in
Rwanda (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 55)
14 Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

• Bridging Climate Informa on Gaps to Strengthen Capaci es for Climate Informed
Decision (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 54)• Embracing Open Contrac ng in Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 53)• The Digital Revolu on, Open Science, and Innova on for Open Science Developmentin Sub-Saharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 52)• Nouvelles approaches de ﬁ nancement de la recherché et de L’innova on en Afrique(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 51)• New Approaches for Funding Research and Innova on in Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy
Brief No. 50)• Towards Eﬀec ve Public-Private Partnerships in Research and Innova on: A
Perspec ve for African Science Gran ng Councils (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 49)• Innova ve Prac ces and Policies for Promo ng Biodiversity Informa cs in SubSaharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 48)• Improving the Relevance of University Training to Labour Market Demands in Africa(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 47)• Developing Policies for Biodiversity Informa cs in sub-Saharan Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 46)• ICTs role in Agricultural Development: Prospects of Land Poten al Knowledge System(LandPKS) (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 45)• Mainstreaming Gender in the Na onal Science, Technology and Innova on (STI)
Policy of Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 44)• Social Innova on: An Untapped Resource for Inclusive Green Growth (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 43)• Policy Axes that Can Uphold Agricultural Innova ons for Climate Change Adapta on
and Food Security in Central Africa: Case of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Central
African Republic (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 42)• Frameworks for Intellectual Property Protec on of Tradi onal Knowledge in Tanzania(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 41)• Assessment of Possible Intellectual Property Protec on Op ons of Tradi onal
Knowledge System in Ethiopia (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 40)• Towards inﬂuencing Na onal Legisla on, Policies, Strategies and Programmes forappropriate Protec on and Beneﬁt-Sharing of Tradi onal Knowledge (TK) with andby Tradi onal Herbalists in Uganda. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 39)• Tradi onal Healers and their Provision of Mental Health Services in Cosmopolitan
Informal Se lements in Nairobi, Kenya. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 38)• Policy Implica ons for Intellectual Property Systems for Tradi onal Healers in
Lesotho. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 37)• Incidence of Indigenous and Innova ve Climate Change Adapta on Prac ces for
Smallholder Framers’ Livelihood Security in Chikhwawa District, Southern Malawi.
(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 36)• Machobane Farming System and its Relevance to Climate Change Policy in Lesotho.
(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 35)
Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally 15
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

16 Enhancing Stakeholder Par cipa on in the Implementa on of the Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) in Ethiopia

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