According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Near East and North Africa is the second most affected region by climate change. In 2050, climatologists project there is likely to be a 50 percent renewable water supply gap. Rising population trends will push already stressed aquifers and natural hydrological systems past the brink, with serious consequences for human populations.

Average temperatures in the region are also forecast to increase by 3 - 4° C by the end of the century, faster than the global average, with deleterious impacts on agricultural production due to more severe and frequent droughts, crop failure, and a proliferation of pests and diseases. Densely populated low-lying coastal areas are particularly at risk from rising sea levels and salinity intrusion. In Egypt alone, a one meter rise in sea level is estimated to put twelve percent of the country's agricultural land at risk.

Since climate change gives rise to urgent challenges, IFAD is integrating climate adaptation and mitigation activities within its development strategies in order to realize economic benefits for smallholder farmers while engendering sustainable natural resource use. Our projects identify vulnerability to climate risks and introduce innovative approaches and technologies that build resilience at the household, community and institutional levels.