Strengthening national ownership and policy alignment for the Peace-Positive Climate-Smart Villages (PPCSV) program in Benin

Intensifying climate change in West Africa threatens rainfed agriculture and exacerbates resource-driven conflict. Addressing these intertwined challenges requires integrated approaches that enhance climate resilience while promoting social cohesion. With a focus on Benin, this report documents the stakeholder engagement process and participatory process for co-developing the Peace-Positive Climate-Smart Villages (PPCSV) concept note for the Green Climate Fund. Through iterative multi-stakeholder engagement, alignment with national policies, and strategic site selection, the process secured formal national endorsement and strengthened institutional legitimacy. Key outcomes include the establishment of governance structures balancing national sovereignty and regional coordination, and the identification of intervention areas that address climate vulnerability without compromising climate security. These findings suggest that embedding peace-positive principles into climate-smart agriculture programs can foster inclusive, climate-resilient development in fragile context, supporting sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management.