Outcomes of the African Regional Consultative Forum on Critical Minerals and Just Transition
September 3, 2024
Shaping Sustainable African Cities: Climate Justice and Urban Resilience at the Inaugural Africa Urban Forum
September 5, 2024
The Tujiinue Tena Integrated Project (TUTEGRATED) is a community-driven climate action initiative that emerged to tackle the compounded effects of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among vulnerable populations. The name, loosely translated as “We lift ourselves, once again,” reflects its mission to empower communities at the bottom of the economic pyramid to overcome poverty and enhance their livelihoods.
The COVID-19 pandemic struck during an already challenging period of climate-related disruptions across Africa, further intensifying economic hardships and social instability. Widespread lockdowns led to the loss of lives, massive disruptions in livelihoods, and setbacks in global climate action efforts. International climate processes, such as COP26, were postponed, and progress toward low-carbon, climate-resilient development was significantly delayed.
In response to these challenges, governments and non-state actors implemented adaptive strategies to safeguard food security and support small businesses and households. The TUTEGRATED initiative has evolved into a self-sustaining social enterprise with a strong emphasis on promoting green recovery in the wake of the pandemic. It empowers smallholder commodity producers by implementing proven models that help them maximize land productivity and diversify income streams. The choice of commodities is tailored to the specific ecological and economic conditions of each community, ensuring that the project remains adaptable and impactful.
TUTEGRATED not only helps communities recover but also builds resilience against future crises, contributing to sustainable development and climate adaptation at the grassroots