Innovative approaches and good practices from the implementation of World Bank ESF in AICCRA.

This information note synthesizes innovative environmental and social (E&S) approaches and good practices from the implementation of the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) under the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project. Implemented across six African countries, AICCRA integrated ESF requirements into large-scale climate information services and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) interventions for the first time within CGIAR-led programs. The note demonstrates how moving beyond a compliance-oriented lens toward a sustainability-driven, adaptive approach enabled the project to effectively manage moderate E&S risks while strengthening inclusion, environmental protection, and community engagement.The project’s flexible management style, strengthened grievance mechanisms, and alignment of safeguard processes with agricultural seasons contributed to its “Highly Satisfactory” E&S performance rating.