February 14, 2025 (ENTEBBE, Uganda): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the World Bank, successfully concluded a five-day Grievance Redress and Environmental & Social Safeguards Training under the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP). The training, held in Entebbe, Uganda, brought together representatives from IGAD member states, technical experts, and key stakeholders to enhance capacity in Environmental, Health, Safety, and Social (EHSS) Risk Management.
The training was designed to equip participants with in-depth knowledge and practical tools to integrate Environmental and Social (E&S) safeguards into project implementation. The initiative aligns with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and supports IGAD’s broader mandate to promote sustainable development and strengthen governance systems in environmental and social risk management.
Dr Eshete Dejen, Programme Manager of IGAD’s Agriculture and Environment Division – Sustainable Environment Unit, speaking on behalf of Daher Elmi, IGAD Director of Agriculture and Environment Division, highlighted IGAD’s commitment to sustainable development through effective environmental and social safeguards. He noted that IGAD is currently implementing several projects and programmes funded by the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other development partners, with a strong focus on compliance with environmental and social risk management standards. He further underscored the role of the Sustainable Environmental Protection Unit under the Agriculture and Environment Division (AED) in overseeing compliance requirements to ensure that development initiatives align with sustainability principles.
The sessions provided a platform for Technical Working Groups (TWGs), Programme Implementation Units (PIUs), Grievance Management Committees (GMCs), and programme coordinators to strengthen their understanding of ESF principles, Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM), gender mainstreaming, and safeguards implementation in IGAD-led programmes. Topics covered included the application of the ESF within IGAD-FSRP to ensure compliance with global standards, the integration of environmental and social safeguards into project life cycles to minimise risks and enhance sustainability, and the establishment of stakeholder engagement and disclosure procedures to foster transparency and accountability. Discussions also explored grievance redress mechanisms to establish structured processes for addressing environmental and social risks, as well as gender and social inclusion to ensure that vulnerable groups, including survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC), are considered in project planning and implementation.
A significant component of the training included country presentations from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda, where representatives shared national experiences in implementing safeguards. These discussions facilitated peer learning and helped identify best practices in environmental and social risk mitigation. Additionally, experts from the World Bank, IGAD, and member states’ institutions led case studies and scenario-based discussions, providing practical insights into budgeting, procurement, and monitoring of safeguard measures.
The final day of the training focused on Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM) and complaint resolution processes. Sessions covered the role of GRM in mitigating environmental and social risks, principles of Survivor-Centred Approaches in handling Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Sexual Harassment (SH) grievances, and the establishment of the Safeguards Technical Working Group (TWG) to oversee the implementation of safeguard measures. An action-planning session was conducted, where participants outlined concrete steps to integrate safeguards into IGAD-FSRP’s ongoing and future projects. This comprehensive approach ensures that IGAD member states strengthen their governance frameworks, institutional capacities, and community engagement mechanisms, ultimately leading to more sustainable and inclusive development.
The training marks a significant step towards enhancing governance, accountability, and sustainable food systems in Eastern and Southern Africa. Moving forward, IGAD and its partners will continue to support member states in institutionalising safeguard measures, fostering cross-border collaboration, and reinforcing environmental and social governance mechanisms. The programme was funded by the World Bank under IGAD-FSRP, demonstrating a shared commitment to climate resilience, food security, and sustainable development.
