The Effect of Climate Change on Development Projects: The Case of Meda (Emerta)
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Date
2022-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Projects are a key part of the solution for huge problems like climate change and project management plays a significant role. While projects are also affected by the existing change in the climate. This study aims to assess the effect of climate change on projects and existing coping strategies in the project management for Ethiopians Motivating Enterprises to Rising in Trade and Agribusiness (EMERTA) project at Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). The study is a quantitative and descriptive research data collected from 20 projects’ senior and implementing staff and 5 partner organizations. The study found out that climate change is occurring in the project area and the major manifestations are drought, flood, pests, and disease. Its effect on project intervention is through the accessibility problems, and weather and rainfall variability leading to flash floods and drought. EMERTA project is not affected in terms of scope, schedule, budget, or goal because the project is proactive and has the support of the management towards environment sustainability, and climate change adaptation. The study’s recommendations for the identified gaps are all projects should consider climate change as a potential risk for implementation and develop a coping mechanism at the planning stage. The do no harm/do good approach to environmental protection is a good practice but in addition to it, Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) helps in reducing the carbon footprint of organizations.
Keywords: Climate change, project management, sustainable development