East Africa – Nile Basin Countries Towards a WLE framework

Introduction Large scale changes in land use and economic development are taking place in Nile Basin countries of East Africa WLE framework to identify and target entry points in existing political/economic processes to achieve outcomes and impact “Overall the region can be characterized as a dynamic fast changing, YOUNG, region with rapid economic development fueled by a variety of investment. In contrast, there is weak governance structures and effective institutions to manage this. This leads to environmental degradation and social inequity.”* *quoted from Mekong, applies equally here

WLE: Bringing a sustainability agenda to existing processes and investments Green Growth, Climate Resilient Green Economy Greening Agro-industrial Growth Corridors (SAGOT, Ethiopia) Greening Irrigation development (CAADP Pillar 1) Greening Dam development (Water-Land-Energy Nexus) Sustaining Upper watersheds/Lake basins (BlueNile,Victoria) Resilient pastoral landscapes (Horn of Africa)

Partnership base: NBI, ASARECA, TNC, NARS, GIZ, Gov’n, ATA, CARE, ODI, SEI, Eco-Agriculture Partners…. Cross scales: strong research with lived experience of individual farmers synthesis of case study evidence to higher scales Nexus issues: working and linking sectors with significant momentum for breakthroughs in sustainability and equity WLE: Strategic advantage

WLE: Research Case studies of natural resources, gender and equity implications of existing growth plans Ecosystem based solutions to support existing growth plans towards sustainability and equity Research based scenarios co-developed with decision makers landscape to national

WLE: Impact Ecosystem based planning Equitable development Resilient development Sustainable development Achieved by reframed investment strategies and implementation pathways

WLE: Elements of Projects Demonstrated understanding of political economy and implementation context in region or country Identified leverage point and demand for WLE research Full spectra partnership Exploration of integrated solutions and planning Co-design and co-production of solutions and scenarios of alternative futures Synthesis and assessment, M&E