How do we build inclusive spaces when developing geospatial services? How can we ensure that the services developed by SERVIR benefit all of society—particularly the most vulnerable—in the context of a rapidly changing climate? SERVIR applies a user-centric and collaborative approach to answer these questions, applying Earth observations, geospatial science and technology to address development…
In this three-part series, Chris Perine, Chemonics’ director of corporate environmental sustainability, answers questions about how the global development community can adapt to effectively address the climate crisis. His recommendations include areas for further climate research, more thoughtful and human-centered use of data, and new approaches to development programming. 1) What type of research…
The mechanics of drilling a well are straightforward. Knowing where, how, and whether to drill that well amid extreme conditions wrought by climate change poses a whole new challenge. International development experts, confronting the complexities of rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and extreme weather, are adding new data-driven approaches to their toolkits to drill that…
Earth-observing satellites and geospatial technologies collect valuable information that can shape how developing countries manage climate risks and land use. A joint initiative of USAID and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), SERVIR puts this information in the hands of communities who need it most. With the data and tools provided by SERVIR programs,…
The Feed the Future Uganda Enabling Environment for Agriculture Activity (EEA) was a USAID-funded project aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for agribusiness and local farmers in Uganda. This final report summarizes how the activity achieved this through building the capacity of both public and private sectors to assist Ugandan government farmers, traders, producers, and agricultural…
USAID’s DRC Investment Activity will create an investment facilitation platform that links companies established in the DRC with a range of finance providers who have an appetite for new investments, with a particular focus in eastern DRC. By cultivating a pipeline of high-potential businesses across sectors, with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture, off-grid energy, and…
Farmers who work the rich soil of the Okavango River Basin in the Kavango region of Namibia depend on rainfall to water their crops. In 2018 and 2019, the rain didn’t fall, and the worst drought in 90 years devastated fields, killed thousands of livestock, and left a third of Namibians without adequate food. Some…
This final report summarizes the achievements and outcomes of the South Africa Low Emissions Development (SA-LED) Program. This project worked with municipalities to provide targeted technical assistance to develop LED projects, build capacity and create an enabling environment for LED at the sub-national level to produce sustainable results. Focused on helping South African municipalities move…
The Mara River Basin (MRB) is home to more than 1.28 million people in Kenya and Tanzania and supports a number of critically important wildlife areas. However, pressures such as population growth and land use change threaten water resources, and the threat to water resources in turn threatens development of key economic sectors such as…
Through case study analyses, this USAID report provides recommended steps that city officials and the donor community can take to engage private sector partners in green infrastructure (GI) development and financing in developing countries. Four case studies of successful GI that yield both climate resilience and mitigation benefits in urban settings are provided to showcase…
Kirk Ramer has over 25 years of experience managing projects to promote agricultural and small-and medium-sized enterprise development in southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. He is currently the chief of party of the Agribusiness Development Activity (ADA) in Uzbekistan. Mr. Ramer has worked to promote trade and investment and improve business education, microfinance,…