Urban and Institutional Feasibility Study for the Formulation of the Climate-Resilient Cities Programme in Benin

Participatory Urban Diagnostics and Investment Planning

Services

• Urban Development
• Floods and Drainage
• Preliminary Studies for Urban Projects

Project Description

With the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), Benin is pursuing its commitment to developing cities that are better prepared to withstand the impacts of climate change. Building on lessons learned from ongoing programmes, the Climate-Resilient Cities Programme (PRVCC) aims to translate urban development strategies into tangible investments that are greener, more inclusive and more resilient.

The programme seeks in particular to develop integrated stormwater management systems combining major drainage infrastructure, green urban developments and Nature-based Solutions (NbS). This integrated approach contributes to improving living conditions and access to essential services in a sustainable manner.

In northern Benin, the programme also addresses the impacts of crises and conflicts by supporting urban and territorial investments that promote social cohesion, facilitate the integration of displaced populations, ensure continuity of urban services and strengthen the resilience of both territories and communities.

Provided services by Urbaconsulting

The assignment was carried out during the preparation and appraisal phase of the PRVCC programme, supporting its submission to AFD, the European Union (delegated cooperation funds) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD) for co-financing.

Programme Scoping and Diagnostic Assessment

• Conducted a participatory capitalisation exercise to identify achievements, limitations and lessons learned from the Climate Change Adaptation Programme for Cities (PAVICC).
• Analysed the strategic positioning of the PRVCC and defined the programme’s strategic orientations.
• Undertook a national and regional urban systems assessment, complemented by rapid diagnostics in nine cities to identify priority challenges, urban functional profiles, development dynamics and growth potential, with particular attention to climate vulnerability, crises and conflict-related risks.
• Supported the selection of the four beneficiary cities through a multi-criteria assessment covering nine cities, including the joint definition of evaluation criteria with programme stakeholders, assessment of development needs, and analysis of intervention risks, particularly in areas affected by security constraints.
• Carried out detailed territorial assessments (urban, environmental, social and economic) and comprehensive vulnerability studies in the four selected cities through a participatory approach involving municipalities, traditional authorities and local communities.

Programme Definition and Feasibility Assessment

• Co-developed inclusive and climate-resilient urban development scenarios with municipal authorities, aligned with urbanisation trends, climate change challenges and existing urban planning frameworks.
• Jointly identified an investment programme responding to local needs and development priorities, with a strong focus on green and blue infrastructure, and carried out the associated technical and financial feasibility studies.
• Supported investment prioritisation and decision-making based on available financing, expected impacts, implementation risks and constraints, with particular emphasis on land tenure issues.
• Defined the programme’s cross-cutting components, including urban governance, citizen participation, social inclusion, capacity building and monitoring and evaluation.
• Prepared the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) in accordance with AFD standards.
• Defined the programme implementation arrangements and fiduciary management framework.

Programme Operationalisation

• Prepared all documentation required for programme financing approval and rapid mobilisation, including the procedures manual, institutional implementation arrangements and environmental and social frameworks.
• Prepared the Procurement Plan and the indicative Annual Work Plan and Budget.
• Led programme capitalisation activities, including the production of reports, communication materials and a capitalisation video designed to promote ownership of programme objectives and outcomes in line with AFD Adapt’Action standards.

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