Strengthening Capacity of National Government to Develop Bankable Project Pipelines for Mobilizing Climate Finance Training Outcomes from the State Department for the ASALs and Regional Development Authors: Dorcas Jalang’o, Brenda Binge, Gamoyo Majambo, Pedro Chilambe, Telvin Denje, Angela Ogaba and Abigail Njasi Date: 10.12.2025 Contents 1.1 Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Enhancement ........................................................................ 23 1.2 Development of Bankable Project Concepts ...................................................................................... 23 1.3 Strengthened Institutional Collaboration .......................................................................................... 24 1.4 Improved Understanding of Climate Finance Mechanisms ................................................................... 24 1.5 Enhanced Technical and Analytical Skills ........................................................................................... 24 1.6 Strengthened Partnerships and Strategic Alignment ........................................................................... 24 2 Closing Session 25 CONTENTS CONTENTS 2 Acknowledgement 3 Acronyms 4 Background and Rationale 5 Workshop Proceedings 7 Designing Bankable Projects 21 Next Steps and Recommendations 25 Appendix 1: Workshop Agenda 0 Appendix 2: List of Participants 3 Appendix 3: Flagship Project Concept Summaries 4 Acknowledgement The development of this report and the successful implementation of the workshop, "Strengthening Capacity of National Government to Develop Bankable Project Pipelines for Mobilizing Climate Finance," were made possible through the collaboration and dedication of several partners. We express our sincere gratitude to the State Department for the ASALs and Regional Development for its leadership and commitment to driving climate-resilient development across Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands. Special thanks are also due to the facilitators and representatives from the Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) whose participation and insights were instrumental in shaping the project concepts presented in this report. The climate analysis and the climate rationale in the concept notes were supported by data and tools from the CGIAR Africa Agriculture Adaptation Atlas (AAAA), developed with support from the Gates Foundation. The Atlas promotes open data and transparent analytics to improve understanding of climate risks and adaptation opportunities across Africa. Its openly available datasets and decision-support tools are being applied to inform planning and investment by governments, researchers, and development partners across multiple regions. Acronyms Acronym Meaning ABC Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT AF Adaptation Fund AFD Agence Française de Développement AfDB African Development Bank AGNES African Group of Negotiators Expert Support AI Artificial Insemination ASAL(s) Arid and Semi-Arid Land(s) BMZ German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development CBO(s) Community-Based Organization(s) CGIAR Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture CIFs Climate Investment Funds CSA Climate-Smart Agriculture FCDO Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (United Kingdom) GCF Green Climate Fund GDP Gross Domestic Product GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit IPLCs Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities IWUA(s) Irrigation Water Users Association(s) JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency KMD Kenya Meteorological Department LDCF Least Developed Countries Fund MEL Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning MSME(s) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises NAP National Adaptation Plan NCCAP National Climate Change Action Plan NDCs Nationally Determined Contributions ODA Official Development Assistance PPP Public–Private Partnership PWDs Persons With Disabilities RDA(s) Regional Development Authority/Authorities SCCF Special Climate Change Fund SWACI Integrated Climate-Smart Water Harvesting and Flood Management Programme ToC Theory of Change UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change WRUA(s) Water Resources Users Association(s) Background and Rationale Climate change continues to severely affect Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), which cover nearly 80% of the national territory and are home to pastoralist and smallholder communities highly dependent on rainfall. The region faces recurrent droughts, floods, and ecosystem degradation, resulting in food and water insecurity, resource-based conflicts, and economic vulnerability. The State Department for the ASALs and Regional Development plays a significant role in driving climate-resilient development across Kenya’s ASALs. Its mandate includes establishing strong institutional frameworks, guiding the development of investment plans, and preparing bankable project proposals to mobilize climate finance for transformative interventions. The Ministry also prioritizes building strategic partnerships that can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development. However, despite these efforts, limited technical capacity and financial resources continue to constrain the effective design and implementation of climate-resilient projects and programmes. Strengthening the Ministry’s capacity to develop high-quality, bankable proposals is therefore essential to expand access to climate finance and address the growing vulnerabilities facing ASAL communities. The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, in partnership with African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES), convened this training and working session to equip ASALs representatives with skills to develop bankable, investment-ready project proposals that can attract funding from various climate finance mechanisms. Objectives of the Workshop i. Strengthen the capacity of representatives from the State Department of ASALs (national and county level) to develop bankable climate adaptation project proposals. ii. Create a pipeline of viable and climate-resilient adaptation projects ready for engagement with development partners and funding institutions. Expected Outcomes i. A portfolio of draft bankable project proposals aligned with national and county priorities. ii. Enhanced technical capacity on climate rationale development, theory of change, logical framework design, and budget alignment. iii. Strengthened collaboration among national and regional actors in mobilizing climate finance. Workshop Proceedings Opening Session The workshop was opened by Ms. Wanjiku Wambui, Director of RDAs, who emphasized the strategic importance of developing proposals that can attract climate financing and transform livelihoods in the ASAL regions. Participants shared expectations focused on gaining practical skills, building partnerships, and ensuring sustainability of proposed projects. Building on this shared vision, the subsequent sessions were designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the climate challenges, policy frameworks, and analytical tools necessary to develop robust, investment-ready adaptation proposals. Understanding the Climate and Policy Landscape in Kenya’s ASALs This session, facilitated by representatives from the State Department ASALs provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the climate risk profile, institutional frameworks, and policy environment shaping sustainable development within Kenya’s ASAL regions. The discussion set the foundation for subsequent sessions by linking the realities of climate vulnerability to the need for policy-aligned, investment-ready projects. Key Learning Areas i. Participants examined the Climate Risk Profile of Kenya’s ASALs, noting the region’s heightened exposure to drought, floods, and temperature extremes. Historical data revealed that drought cycles have intensified from two per decade in the 1970s to as many as five per decade in the 2020s leading to an estimated 3–5% annual GDP loss attributable to climate impacts. The facilitator highlighted how these climatic shifts have exacerbated food insecurity, water scarcity, rangeland degradation, and displacement, emphasizing the urgency for adaptive and inclusive solutions. ii. The session introduced the National Policy and Institutional Context governing climate action in Kenya. Participants explored key frameworks such as the National Climate Change Action Plan (2023-2027), Climate Change Act (2016), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which collectively guide the country’s response to climate change. The facilitators underscored the importance of aligning proposed projects with these national frameworks, noting that policy coherence is a core requirement for both domestic and international funding eligibility. iii. Attention was also given to Flagship Departmental Programs that exemplify climate-resilient interventions already under implementation. These included the Pastoralist Feedlot Systems Program, targeting sustainable livestock production and resilience in pastoral communities, and the 5-Billion Fruit Tree Seedlings Initiative (2023–2032), aimed at enhancing agroforestry, household nutrition, and carbon sequestration. These case examples provided participants with models for integrating scalability, community participation, and environmental co-benefits into future project proposals. iv. The session concluded with a discussion on Strategic Collaboration Areas, identifying partnerships as essential for accelerating climate-smart transformation in ASALs. The facilitators emphasized collaboration in four critical domains: o Climate Finance Mobilization and Proposal Development, to strengthen access to international and domestic funding mechanisms. o Joint Implementation of the ASAL Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP 2023– 2027), ensuring synergy between policy intent and project execution. o Research, Data, and Knowledge Partnerships, to generate evidence for decision-making and monitor climate action impacts. o Technology Transfer and Innovation, particularly in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and water resource management. Having established a clear understanding of the climate and policy context, the next session guided participants toward identifying and prioritizing concrete investment opportunities. Ideation and Prioritization of Investment Opportunities within the ASALs Facilitated by Ms. Dorcas Jalang’o (CIAT), this session focused on building participants’ capacity to conceptualize and prioritize bankable project ideas aligned with Kenya’s ASAL development priorities and donor funding criteria. The interactive workshop combined creative brainstorming with structured evaluation, allowing participants to identify investment opportunities that address climate risks while supporting economic and social resilience. Key Learning Areas i. The session opened with an interactive ideation exercise, where participants were challenged to imagine how they would allocate a hypothetical USD 10 million investment to climate adaptation projects in the ASALs. This activity encouraged creative thinking and strategic focus, compelling participants to move from abstract problem statements to practical, fundable solutions. Through open dialogue, they reflected on local needs, resource gaps, and the long-term sustainability of their ideas. ii. Participants were guided through a project evaluation framework designed to help them assess the strategic relevance and bankability of proposed initiatives. The framework emphasized eight interrelated criteria: clarity of the funding source and constraints, projected impact, gender responsiveness, integration of indigenous knowledge, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, climate resilience, and alignment with existing policy frameworks. The facilitator stressed that every project must clearly demonstrate its transformative potential, quantify expected outcomes, and address both social and environmental equity. iii. The discussion further underscored the role of inclusive design and local ownership in project development. Participants reflected on how gender equality, community participation, and indigenous knowledge systems enhance project legitimacy and impact. Examples were shared of how women-led initiatives and community-based natural resource management have proven effective in sustaining adaptation efforts in the ASALs. iv. In the group ideation phase, participants collaborated in multidisciplinary teams to translate their ideas into tangible project concepts. They brainstormed solutions addressing drought resilience, flood control, renewable energy access, and ecosystem restoration. The facilitators emphasized the importance of structuring projects as “umbrella initiatives” broad, integrated programs capable of attracting diverse funding streams and delivering multiple co-benefits such as food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation. v. The session concluded with a peer review and reflection exercise, during which each group shared its proposed ideas and received feedback on feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with the priorities of development partners. The process enabled participants to refine their concepts and identify pathways for developing them into comprehensive proposals. Outcomes of the Session i. Improved understanding of strategic project prioritization, emphasizing alignment with both national development goals and international climate finance mechanisms. ii. Recognition of the value of co-creation and multi-stakeholder collaboration in shaping robust and inclusive project designs. iii. Strengthened confidence among participants in transforming conceptual ideas into fundable, results-oriented climate adaptation initiatives. iv. Participants produced an initial set of high-potential project ideas ready for further refinement into concept notes and proposals. With priority ideas beginning to take shape, participants then examined the climate finance landscape to understand where and how these emerging concepts could be funded. Climate Finance Landscape This session, led by Mr. Tevin Denje (AGNES), aimed to broaden the understanding of the complex global, regional, and national systems on climate finance, and to enhance participants’ capacity to identify and access appropriate funding opportunities for climate- resilient projects. The discussion provided a foundational understanding of how climate finance operates, the diverse sources available, and the strategic steps required to develop fundable proposals that align with donor priorities. Key Learning Areas i. Participants began by exploring the global architecture of climate finance, tracing its origins under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The facilitator outlined key funding mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF), Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF). Each mechanism was discussed in relation to its funding priorities, target beneficiaries, and access modalities. Participants also reviewed non-UNFCCC mechanisms including the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), and philanthropic organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which offer alternative, often more flexible, funding pathways for climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives. ii. The session examined the bilateral and domestic finance ecosystems, highlighting the role of Official Development Assistance (ODA) from development partners such as Germany (BMZ, GIZ, KfW), Japan (JICA), the UK (FCDO), and France (AFD). At the national level, participants were introduced to domestic financing models, including National Climate Funds, green bonds, and budget tagging mechanisms that integrate climate finance into national planning. This holistic view emphasized that accessing climate finance requires understanding both international and in-country instruments. iii. A critical discussion focused on barriers and systemic challenges in accessing climate finance. Participants identified low grant absorption rates, overreliance on loan-based instruments, and limited decentralization of funds to subnational levels as recurring obstacles. These challenges often result in misalignment between global commitments and local implementation. The facilitator emphasized that overcoming these barriers will require improved institutional coordination, enhanced proposal quality, and greater advocacy for direct access modalities that allow national and county entities to receive funding more efficiently. iv. The session introduced participants to emerging innovations in climate finance, including blended finance models that combine public, private, and philanthropic capital to de-risk investments; carbon markets that create value for emission reductions; and debt-for-nature swaps, where a portion of a country’s debt is forgiven in exchange for commitments to environmental conservation. Participants discussed how such tools could be applied in Kenya’s ASALs to mobilize new streams of investment for green infrastructure, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions. v. A key emphasis was placed on the importance of developing bankable proposals as the gateway to unlocking climate finance. Participants learned that funding entities prioritize proposals that are technically sound, financially viable, and aligned with both donor criteria and national priorities. The facilitator shared practical examples of well-structured proposals, illustrating how clarity in problem statements, evidence-based rationale, measurable outcomes, and coherent budgets can significantly increase funding success rates. Outcomes of the Session i. Enhanced understanding of the global and national climate finance ecosystem, including major funding instruments and their access requirements. ii. Increased awareness of the structural challenges and opportunities in financing climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives in Kenya’s ASALs. iii. Strengthened capacity to identify suitable funding channels, match them with project priorities, and prepare technically strong concept notes. iv. Appreciation of innovative finance mechanisms such as blended finance, carbon markets, and green bonds as viable tools for scaling climate action. Building on their knowledge of funding opportunities, participants next focused on developing strong climate rationales to strengthen the technical credibility of their proposed projects. Development of Climate Rationale This session, facilitated by Majambo Gamoyo (CIAT), focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of how to develop evidence-based climate rationales, which is a critical requirement for accessing international and national climate finance facilities such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund. The facilitator emphasized that a strong climate rationale must demonstrate the link between observed and projected climate risks and the proposed adaptation or mitigation interventions. Participants learned that funders expect proposals to show clear, scientifically supported evidence explaining why a project is necessary, what climate risks it addresses, and how interventions will deliver measurable resilience outcomes. Key Learning Areas i. Participants explored how climate data underpins proposal credibility. They examined both historical and projected climate trends such as rising temperatures, rainfall variability, and recurring drought cycles and discussed their implications for livelihoods in Kenya’s ASALs. The session introduced accessible data platforms including the Africa Adaptation Atlas , an interactive CGIAR resource that provides sub-national data on climate hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and adaptation options across African agricultural systems, supporting users to formulate robust climate rationales and prioritize adaptation investments (see: https://adaptationatlas.cgiar.org) and the World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal (https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org), enabling participants to source reliable datasets for use in proposal development and justification. https://adaptationatlas.cgiar.org/ https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/ ii. Through an interactive reflection, participants differentiated short-term climate variability (for instance, El Niño and La Niña events) from long-term climate change patterns, which result from sustained shifts in temperature and precipitation trends. This distinction was highlighted as vital for justifying interventions within proposals ensuring that projects directly address enduring climate risks rather than isolated weather anomalies. iii. The session emphasized the importance of translating scientific evidence into compelling narratives that link climate hazards to local community realities. Participants practiced articulating the relationship between observed risks such as prolonged droughts, floods, and rising temperatures and the proposed interventions, including feedlot systems, watershed rehabilitation, renewable energy adoption, and livelihood diversification. This approach builds a clear and persuasive “storyline” of need, intervention, and impact, which funders increasingly prioritize in their assessment of project proposals. iv. The session also unpacked the core components of a strong climate rationale, detailing the logical flow of how each element strengthens a proposal’s case for funding. o Component 1: Climate Context and Risks where participants learned to outline historical and projected climatic trends using credible data, establishing the scientific foundation of their project rationale. o Component 2: Impact and Vulnerability Assessment which involved identifying who and what is affected by the climate hazard, quantifying the magnitude of impacts, and demonstrating the urgency of action. o Component 3: Justification for Action to demonstrate how proposed projects directly mitigate or adapt to identified risks, ensuring coherence between problem and intervention. o Component 4: Policy Alignment highlighting the need to link project design with national frameworks such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), and the Climate Change Act (2016) to enhance eligibility and coherence. o Component 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) highlighting how project outcomes and climate impacts will be tracked over time, ensuring accountability, learning, and adaptive management. With the climate rationale established, the workshop progressed to translating ideas into structured, results-oriented project frameworks through Theory of Change and Logframe development. Theory of Change and Logical Framework Development Facilitated by Brenda Binge (CIAT), this session guided participants through the process of developing a Theory of Change (ToC) and a Logical Framework (Logframe) two essential tools for translating ideas into structured, results-oriented projects. The session emphasized that a well-developed ToC and Logframe not only strengthen proposal credibility but also provides a clear pathway for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Key Learning Areas i. Participants began by exploring the concept and purpose of the Theory of Change as a visual and narrative roadmap that illustrates how project activities lead to desired outcomes and long-term impacts. The facilitators explained that a ToC articulates the logical sequence connecting inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts, while also revealing the assumptions and external factors that could influence success. By mapping these relationships, participants were able to see how their projects contribute to broader national and global climate adaptation goals such as NDC, NAPs, NCCAP. ii. The session delved into the importance of defining clear objectives and goals. Participants learned to differentiate between outputs (immediate, tangible results) and outcomes (medium-term behavioral or systemic changes), ensuring each was realistic, measurable, and time bound. The facilitators emphasized that the strength of a project lies in its ability to demonstrate how short-term outputs lead to long- term impact, a key factor in convincing funders of project sustainability and scalability. iii. Participants were introduced to the Logical Framework (Logframe) as a tool that complements the Theory of Change by providing a structured summary of project logic and measurable indicators. The Logframe captures the key components of a project goal, purpose, outputs, activities, indicators, means of verification, and assumptions allowing for clear accountability and performance tracking. The facilitators explained how funders often use Logframe to assess coherence, feasibility, and monitoring plans within submitted proposals. iv. A practical exercise was conducted in which participants worked in small groups to develop ToC and Logframe models for their proposed projects. Guided by facilitators, they identified the desired impacts (such as improved community resilience or reduced climate vulnerability), traced backward to define outcomes and outputs, and established measurable indicators and sources of verification. This activity reinforced the principle of results-based management ensuring that every project activity is linked to a clear objective and measurable change. v. The session also covered the integration of cross-cutting themes such as gender inclusion, social equity, and environmental safeguards within the ToC and Logframe. Participants discussed how embedding these elements at the design stage not only enhances project quality but also aligns with international donor expectations and Kenya’s national climate policy priorities. Outcomes of the Session i. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of how to construct a Theory of Change and Logframe as foundational tools for project design and monitoring. ii. Improved ability to define logical linkages between project activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts, ensuring internal coherence and accountability. iii. Enhanced skills in developing SMART indicators (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) for effective tracking of results. iv. Recognition of the need to integrate gender, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability within project logic to meet donor and national policy requirements. v. Strengthened capacity to align project frameworks with broader adaptation and resilience objectives outlined in Kenya’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP 2023– 2027) and related strategies. After strengthening project logic and results pathways, participants turned to budgeting to ensure their proposals were financially sound and aligned with donor expectations. Budget Development and Resource Alignment Facilitated by AGNES, this session focused on strengthening participants’ capacity to design accurate, transparent, and funder-aligned budgets for climate adaptation and resilience projects. The session emphasized that a well-structured budget not only quantifies project costs but also communicates efficiency, accountability, and alignment with funding requirements key elements that determine the success of any proposal submission. Key Learning Areas i. Participants began by examining the core principles of effective budgeting, understanding the distinction between direct and indirect costs, capital expenditures, and recurrent expenses. The facilitators underscored that a credible budget must be both comprehensive and realistic, reflecting the true cost of achieving the project’s objectives without inflating or underestimating resources. Participants were encouraged to approach budgeting as a planning tool that guides implementation, rather than a mere financial requirement. ii. The session introduced the concept of budget alignment with project outputs and outcomes, stressing the importance of linking each cost item to a specific activity or deliverable. Participants learned that donors and funding agencies evaluate budgets not just for numbers, but for logical consistency with the project’s theory of change and logframe. A key takeaway was the need to avoid generic cost estimates and instead provide detailed justifications for each expense category demonstrating cost efficiency and value for money. iii. Facilitators guided participants through budget structuring and presentation formats commonly used by international donors such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF), and UN agencies. Participants reviewed sample templates and discussed how to classify expenditures under standard categories like personnel, equipment, training, travel, operations, and contingencies. Emphasis was placed on adopting transparent and auditable budget formats that meet donor accounting standards. iv. The session explored strategies for mobilizing co-financing and leveraging partnerships, highlighting the growing importance of blended finance in climate project implementation. Participants discussed how to strategically integrate in- kind contributions, private sector investments, and partner co-funding to enhance the financial attractiveness and sustainability of proposed projects. This holistic approach ensures that project budgets reflect shared ownership and diversified funding sources. v. A hands-on practical exercise allowed participants to develop sample budget frameworks for their ongoing project ideas. Working in small teams, they estimated activity costs, identified funding gaps, and aligned budget items with specific project outputs and indicators. Through peer review, participants received feedback on cost realism, proportionality, and compliance with donor expectations. Outcomes of the Session i. Improved understanding of budget formulation principles and how to align them with project objectives and measurable outputs. ii. Enhanced ability to prepare transparent, justifiable, and funder-compliant budgets that strengthen proposal credibility. iii. Increased awareness of co-financing opportunities and blended finance models to leverage diverse funding sources for climate action. iv. Strengthened capacity to link financial planning with results-based management and monitoring frameworks. v. Recognition of budgeting as a strategic tool for accountability, efficiency, and partnership building in climate adaptation financing. Drawing together all the tools and concepts learned throughout the workshop, the final session provided space for participants to integrate their skills into complete, bankable project designs. Designing Bankable Projects This session culminated the workshop by providing participants with a comprehensive group work exercise in which they applied the knowledge and tools acquired throughout the training to design bankable climate adaptation and resilience projects. The exercise served as the practical integration of all preceding learning modules linking climate rationale, theory of change, logframe development, and budgeting into coherent, fundable project concepts. Participants were divided into groups representing the State Department of ASALs and the Regional Development Authorities (RDAs), each focusing on developing project ideas aligned with their institutional mandates and regional priorities. Key Learning Areas i. Participants began by revisiting the project ideation outputs developed earlier in the workshop, refining and restructuring them to ensure alignment with the newly acquired frameworks on climate rationale, results-based management, and financing logic. Each group reviewed its project’s problem statement, objectives, target beneficiaries, and expected outcomes to ensure coherence, feasibility, and relevance to Kenya’s climate adaptation priorities. ii. Guided by facilitators from ABC-CIAT and AGNES, participants used the Project Concept Canvas to organize their ideas systematically defining project titles, geographical scope, key stakeholders, and investment priorities. This structured approach helped them visualize how individual activities contribute to larger program goals and national climate resilience outcomes. iii. The groups incorporated evidence-based climate rationales into their project concepts, linking observed and projected climate hazards to proposed interventions. They demonstrated how data on drought frequency, flooding, and temperature variability inform the design of targeted solutions such as feedlot systems, water harvesting infrastructure, renewable energy deployment, and ecosystem restoration. iv. Using the Theory of Change and Logframe templates, participants mapped the causal pathways of their projects, articulating how inputs and activities lead to measurable outputs, outcomes, and long-term impacts. They established indicators and means of verification that could be used to monitor project performance, ensuring alignment with donor expectations and Kenya’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP 2023–2027). v. During the budgeting and resource alignment exercise, participants developed indicative budgets for each project, ensuring that cost items corresponded directly with outputs and activities. Groups considered potential funding partners, co- financing opportunities, and private sector engagement models to strengthen financial sustainability and scalability. vi. Each group presented its project concept during a plenary session, receiving constructive feedback from facilitators and peers. Discussions focused on feasibility, innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity particularly regarding gender responsiveness and community participation. Facilitators encouraged participants to continue refining their proposals into complete concept notes for submission to relevant climate finance facilities. Outcomes of the Session i. Participants successfully translated theoretical knowledge into practical, fundable project designs, applying tools and frameworks from all previous sessions. ii. Development of four integrated and evidence-based project concepts with clear climate rationales, results frameworks, and draft budget structures. iii. Enhanced collaboration between the State Department of ASALs and the Regional Development Authorities (RDAs), fostering joint ownership and coordination of climate action efforts. iv. Strengthened capacity to package proposals that align with Kenya’s national policy frameworks and international climate finance mechanisms. v. Commitment from participants to refine their concepts into finalized project proposals ready for submission to targeted funding facilities such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund (AF). The four-day training and working session achieved significant milestones in strengthening institutional and individual capacities within the State Department of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and its affiliated Regional Development Authorities (RDAs). The outcomes of the workshop reflect tangible progress toward building a pipeline of bankable, climate- resilient projects capable of attracting national and international funding. 1.1 Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Enhancement The workshop successfully enhanced participants’ understanding of the climate finance landscape, proposal development, and results-based project design. Participants demonstrated improved skills in articulating scientifically grounded climate rationales, formulating Theories of Change, constructing Logical Frameworks, and aligning budgets with funder requirements. The combination of theoretical sessions and hands-on exercises ensured that learning outcomes were not only conceptual but also directly applicable to participants’ day-to-day work. 1.2 Development of Bankable Project Concepts A major achievement of the workshop was the development of three flagship project concepts, each designed to address specific climate risks within Kenya’s ASAL regions. These projects represent the foundation of a national pipeline of fundable proposals that align with Kenya’s climate policy frameworks, including the Climate Change Act (2016), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP 2023–2027). Each concept integrated evidence-based climate rationales, measurable outcomes, and clear financial frameworks fulfilling the workshop’s objective of producing bankable, investment-ready proposals. Detailed one-page summaries of the flagship concepts are provided in Error! Reference source not found., covering: i. Climate-resilient livestock and feedlot systems (Concept 1) ii. Integrated climate-smart water harvesting and flood management (Concept 2) iii. Integrated climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and livelihoods improvement (Concept 3) These summaries present the key features of each project and serve as reference documents for further refinement into full proposals. 1.3 Strengthened Institutional Collaboration The workshop fostered a spirit of collaboration among national and county-level officers, RDAs, and development partners. Through joint discussions and group assignments, participants identified opportunities for inter-agency cooperation in project planning, data sharing, and resource mobilization. This collaboration strengthened institutional linkages and created a unified platform for implementing climate action within the ASALs. 1.4 Improved Understanding of Climate Finance Mechanisms Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of global, bilateral, and domestic climate finance mechanisms, including how to access funds from entities such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF), and Climate Investment Funds (CIFs). The session on innovative financing models including blended finance, carbon markets, and debt-for-nature swaps empowered participants to explore non-traditional sources of funding and to leverage private sector partnerships for project sustainability. 1.5 Enhanced Technical and Analytical Skills Hands-on training sessions enhanced participants’ technical competencies in project development. They acquired practical experience in: i. Developing data-driven climate rationales using scientific tools and portals. ii. Designing logical frameworks and measurable performance indicators. iii. Preparing transparent and justifiable budgets that meet donor compliance standards. iv. Integrating cross-cutting issues such as gender, social inclusion, and environmental safeguards into project design. 1.6 Strengthened Partnerships and Strategic Alignment The workshop reinforced partnerships between the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (ABC-CIAT), AGNES, and the State Department of ASALs, laying the groundwork for continued technical assistance in project development and resource mobilization. Participants expressed commitment to aligning future project proposals with Kenya’s national climate strategies and international adaptation priorities. Next Steps and Recommendations The workshop concluded with a shared commitment among participants, facilitators, and partners to sustain the momentum built during the four-day training. The State Department of ASALs, in collaboration with Regional Development Authorities (RDAs), ABC-CIAT, and AGNES, agreed to undertake coordinated follow-up actions aimed at finalizing and refining the concept projects. The following steps and recommendations outline the pathway forward to operationalize the outcomes of the training. i. Refinement and finalization of the three flagship project concepts developed during the workshop into comprehensive, funder-ready proposals. Each proposal will integrate the components covered during the training including a robust climate rationale, a clear theory of change, a well-structured logical framework, and a detailed, funder-compliant budget. ii. Participants recommended that future capacity-building sessions include more detailed and practical modules on developing strong, evidence-based proposal. iii. There was strong interest in receiving advanced training on the Africa Adaptation Atlas tool, particularly its functionalities for spatial data visualization and analysis. Participants emphasized that learning to use this tool effectively will enable them to produce credible, data-driven evidence for proposal justification and climate risk assessments. iv. Many officers manage programs that extend across multiple counties within the ASAL regions. They requested the ability to select and analyze multiple administrative boundaries within the Atlas tool to ensure their projects accurately reflect the geographical scale of their operations and impacts. v. Participants highlighted the need to extend the available time-series datasets used in project analysis. Longer data timelines will allow for more accurate identification of trends in temperature, rainfall, and extreme events, thereby improving the credibility of climate rationales and justifications in proposals. Closing Session The workshop officially concluded with a vote of thanks from representatives of the State Department of ASALs, followed by closing remarks from ABC-CIAT and AGNES. The facilitators commended the participants for their dedication and creativity, noting that the level of engagement and the quality of the output exceeded expectations. Participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear roadmap for action to translate the knowledge gained into well-structured, fundable proposals that advance the country’s adaptation and resilience objectives. Appendix 1: Workshop Agenda Day 1: Monday 20th October 2025 TIME SESSION RESPONSIBILITY The whole day Arrival and check-in ABC Day 1: Tuesday 21st October 2025 TIME SESSION RESPONSIBILITY 08:30 – 09:00 Registration ABC/AGNES 09:00 – 09:30 Opening and Welcome Remarks Workshop objectives and Expected Outcomes AGNES ABC State Department of ASALs SETTING THE SCENE 9:30 – 10:00 Presentation: Climate Risks Profile in the ASALs: Impacts of Climate change in the ASALs, Gaps, Opportunities and Interventions State Department of ASALs 10:00 – 10:20 Presentation: Policy Landscape in the country and ASAL region State Department of ASALs 10:20– 10:50 Presentation: CSA Profiling and investment planning framework and Climate Finance Landscape ABC 10:50 – 11:00 Plenary All 11:00 – 11:30 TEA BREAK 11:30 – 12:15 Ideation Session: Brainstorming project ideas All 12:15 – 13:00 Prioritization and Investment Readiness ABC/AGNES 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:00 Presentation: Salient Features of a bankable project proposal/Concept Note Q&A Session ABC/AGNES 15:00 – 16:00 Breakout Session: Refinement of the Project Concept Canvas based on priority areas - Project title - Scope - Geographical extent ALL 16:00 – 16:30 TEA BREAK 16:30 – 17:00 Breakout Session continued: ALL Appendix 1: Workshop Agenda | Page of 35 CGIAR 1 Refinement of the Project Concept Canvas based on priority areas - Project title - Scope - Geographical extent 17:00 CLOSE OF THE DAY Day 2: Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 TIME SESSION RESPONSIBILITY 08:30 – 09:00 Registration ABC/AGNES 09:00 – 10:00 Feedback Session on Project Concept Canvas ALL 10:00 – 11:00 Hands-on training Session: Development of a Climate Rationale ABC 11:00 – 11:30 TEA BREAK 11:30 – 13:00 Breakout Session: Development of a Climate Rationale for priority project ALL 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:00 Breakout Session continued: Development of a Climate Rationale for priority project ALL 15:00 – 16:00 Feedback Session on Climate Rationale developed ALL 16:00 – 16:30 TEA BREAK 16:30 – 17:00 Feedback session on Climate rationale developed ALL 17:30 CLOSE OF THE DAY Day 3: Thursday, 23rd October 2025 TIME SESSION RESPONSIBILITY 08:30 – 09:00 Registration ABC/AGNES 09:00 – 10:00 Hands-on training Session: Development of Theory of Change (TOC) ABC 10:00 – 11:00 Hands-on training Session: Development of a Logical framework and Project Monitoring and Evaluation indicators ABC 11:00 – 11:30 TEA BREAK 11:30 – 13:00 Breakout Session: Designing a Log-frame and Development of Indicators ALL 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:00 Breakout Session continued: Designing a Log frame and Development of Indicators ALL 15:00 – 16:00 Hands-on training Session: Effective Budget development AGNES CGIAR Appendix 1: Workshop Agenda | Page of 35 2 - Designing accurate budgets and Strategies for aligning project budgets with funding requirements 16:00 – 16:30 TEA BREAK 16:30 – 17:00 Breakout Session continued: Project Budget development ALL 17:00 CLOSE OF THE DAY Day 4: Friday, 24th October 2025 TIME SESSION RESPONSIBILITY 08:30 – 09:00 Registration ABC/AGNES 09:00 – 10:00 Breakout Session continued: Project Budget development ALL 10:00 – 11:00 Plenary: Presentation of working draft proposals ALL 11:00 – 11:30 TEA BREAK 11:30 – 12:30 Plenary continued: Presentation of working draft proposals ALL 12:30 – 13:00 Strategy and Next Steps ABC/AGNES 13:00 – 13:20 Vote of thanks and closing 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH & BON VOYAGE Appendix 2: List of Participants | Page of 35 CGIAR 3 Appendix 2: List of Participants Institution S/No. Name Gender State Department for the ASALs & Regional Development 1 Wanjiku Manyatta F 2 Mirriam Chebungei F 3 Fredrick Juma M 4 Kemunto Ratemo F 5 Nelly Maina F 6 Kipruto Bor M 7 Shillah Mumasi F 8 Albert Timu M 9 Fawzia Namulanda F 10 Obed Omanya M 11 Fridah Chelangat F 12 Billy Ngatia M 13 Dennis Mwangi M 14 Denis Langat M Regional Representatives 15 Stella Nyawira F 16 Simon Lokitar M 17 Ruth Osere Machogu F 18 Lydia Moshira F 19 Ezekiel Rantile M 20 Kipchumba Ngala M 21 Kelvin Kimosop M 22 Dennis Werunga M 23 David Kyalo M 24 Dennis Saningo M 25 Christine Lumadi F 26 Maimuna Muhamud F AGNES 27 Telvin Denje M 28 Wangechi Kariuki F 29 Salome Temba F 30 Abigail Njasi F 31 Angela Ogaba F Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT 32 Majambo Gamoyo M 33 Dorcas Jalango F 34 Brenda Binge F CGIAR Appendix 3: Flagship Project Concept Summaries | Page of 35 4 Appendix 3: Flagship Project Concept Summaries Concept 1: Enhancing Climate-Resilient Livestock Productivity through Feedlot Systems in Kenya’s ASALs 1. Project Rationale Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) covering over 80% of the landmass are increasingly affected by frequent and severe droughts, rangeland degradation, and water scarcity. Although ASALs host 70% of Kenya’s livestock, productivity remains constrained by climate stress, resource competition, and weak value chains. Pastoral households face rising livestock mortality and declining incomes. Climate-smart feedlot systems offer a transformative, drought-buffering solution that stabilizes livestock production, reduces emissions intensity, and strengthens market access. 2. Project Objective To strengthen the resilience, productivity, and market value of pastoral livestock systems through climate-smart feedlot establishment, rangeland rehabilitation, and integrated green value chains. 3. Geographic Focus 12 ASAL counties: Baringo, Garissa, Kajiado, Mandera, Marsabit, Narok, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir, and West Pokot. 4. Key Components and Activities i. Feedlot Infrastructure: Construction of 12 climate-smart feedlots with integrated dams, boreholes, paddocks, water harvesting, and solar-based irrigation. ii. Rangeland Restoration: Rehabilitation of 12,000 acres using reseeding, vallerani, and invasive species control. iii. Livestock Productivity Improvement: Deployment of improved breeds, Artificial Insemination (AI) services, disease surveillance, veterinary hubs, and extension support. iv. Value Chain Enterprises: Support for MSMEs in meat processing, leather, feed production, and biofertilizer. v. Community Capacity Building: Training pastoral cooperatives and youth/women groups in climate-smart livestock management and enterprise development. 5. Beneficiaries i. Direct: 12,000 pastoral households (60,000 people) ii. Indirect: 600,000 people through market linkages and ecosystem restoration iii. Targeted inclusion: Women, youth, PWDs involved in value-added enterprises 7. Expected Outcomes i. Reduced livestock losses and improved year-round productivity ii. Restored rangeland ecosystems and improved water access iii. Strengthened livestock value chains and MSME development iv. Increased incomes and resilience of pastoral households v. Contribution to NDC targets through adaptation and mitigation co-benefits Appendix 3: Flagship Project Concept Summaries | Page of 35 CGIAR 5 Concept 2: Integrated Climate-Smart Water Harvesting and Flood Management Programme (SWACI) 1. Project Rationale Kenya faces intensifying climate risks characterized by extreme floods, droughts, and land degradation. Flood-prone counties such as Tana River, Busia, West Pokot, Isiolo, and Narok suffer recurring disaster losses, reduced water security, and declining agricultural productivity. Fragmented interventions have failed to address upstream-downstream dynamics. This programme adopts a basin-wide approach to enhance water security, reduce disaster losses, and strengthen ecosystem resilience. 2. Project Objective To enhance climate resilience and sustainable water management across Kenya’s key basins through integrated water harvesting, flood control, and climate-smart livelihood interventions. 3. Geographic Focus Five priority basins and counties:vTana River (Tana Basin), Isiolo (Ewaso Ng’iro Basin), West Pokot (Turkwel/Kerio Basin), Busia (Lake Victoria Basin) and Narok (Mara Basin) 4. Key Components and Activities i. Catchment Restoration: Afforestation, terracing, rangeland reseeding, community nurseries. ii. Flood Control & Water Infrastructure: Multipurpose dams, retention ponds, underground tanks, improved drainage, sediment traps. iii. Climate-Smart Livelihoods: Aquaculture, beekeeping, fruit–tree value chains, circular economy enterprises. iv. Early Warning Systems: Climate data hubs, community alerts, integration with KMD platforms. v. Governance & Capacity Building: Basin coordination frameworks, training of county officers, knowledge management. 6. Beneficiaries i. Direct: 1,000,000 people in five counties (farmers, pastoralists, youth/women groups, WRUAs) ii. Indirect: Downstream communities, private sector, research/academia iii. Ecosystems: Catchments, wetlands, floodplains, and rangelands 7. Expected Outcomes i. Reduced flood damage and enhanced water storage ii. Restored catchments and improved ecosystem services iii. Strengthened household resilience and green enterprises iv. Functional basin-level climate governance and early-warning systems v. Greater access to climate finance and PPP investments CGIAR Appendix 3: Flagship Project Concept Summaries | Page of 35 6 Concept 3: Integrated Climate Resilience, Ecosystem Restoration, and Livelihoods Improvement Programme 1. Project Rationale Kenya’s ASALs and coastal ecosystems face compounding climate pressures—degraded rangelands, loss of forest cover, prolonged droughts, and sea-level rise. Coastal communities experience shoreline erosion, mangrove loss, and declining marine biodiversity, while ASAL communities experience declining agricultural productivity, water scarcity, and ecosystem fragility. There is an urgent need for integrated landscape restoration combined with livelihood diversification and water security interventions. 2. Project Objective To build inclusive, climate-resilient landscapes and livelihoods across ASAL and coastal regions through ecosystem restoration, water security enhancement, and nature-based enterprises that empower communities and strengthen adaptive capacity. 3. Geographic Focus i. ASAL counties (Northern, Eastern, Rift Valley) ii. Coastal counties including Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River iii. Fragile ecosystems: mangroves, wetlands, coral reefs, degraded catchments 4. Key Components and Activities i. Water Security Investments: Smallholder irrigation schemes, water harvesting infrastructure, institutional water systems. ii. Ecosystem Restoration: Catchment rehabilitation, school greening, fruit trees nurseries, bamboo commercialization, degraded land reclamation. iii. Marine and Coastal Restoration: Mangrove rehabilitation, coral reef restoration, shoreline protection systems. iv. Wetlands Protection: Restoration of inland wetlands, creation of biodiversity monitoring networks. v. Livelihood Diversification: Nature-based enterprises (bamboo, beekeeping, aquaculture, fruit trees), green jobs for youth/women, and carbon market opportunities. 6. Beneficiaries i. Schools, CBOs, WRUAs, IWUAs ii. Women and youth-led groups iii. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) iv. Coastal communities dependent on marine ecosystems 7. Expected Outcomes i. Restored catchments, wetlands, mangroves, and coral reef ecosystems ii. Improved water security and reduced vulnerability to drought/floods iii. Expanded green enterprises and livelihood options iv. Strengthened biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration v. Inclusive climate governance and enhanced community resilience Appendix 3: Flagship Project Concept Summaries | Page of 35 CGIAR 7