Egypt’s cities grow rapidly, mostly beyond governmental or local planning. About 20 million of the population live in the greater area of Cairo. Apart from that, about 60% of the population live in informal, undersupplied and densely built-up urban areas, which develop mostly unplanned. Mainly ecologically valuable agricultural land or state-owned plots are covered by buildings without permit. There is a shortage of social services and sanitary facilities, like water, waste water, and waste disposal. The extreme density of the population results in significant environmental pollution. The general living conditions are greatly affected by climate change. Many inhabitants are poor and have low levels of formal education. They frequently develop living space themselves – without building permit and mostly without access to public infrastructure.

The project advises decision makers in ministries, governor administered districts and local administrative units (multi-level approach), when dealing with informal areas. The main focus of advice is introduction, dissemination and application of the process and method of participatory community development. This requires improved capacities of nongovernmental organizations and local administration, with the involvement of a private-sector to plan and implement suitable measures. The European Union (EU) co-funded small measures in nine selected informal settlements, reaching more than two million inhabitants. Especially adolescents, women, and civil society organizations are sponsored. In two poverty-stricken areas, in Qualyubeya governor administered district, an integrated, community-based waste management plan is introduced, covering another half a million inhabitants. The improvement of the waste management infrastructure is co-funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation (BMGS). The project includes local institutions and the informal sector, such as waste collectors. Additionally extensive measures to promote awareness on the subject of waste and the environment are performed.

Evaluations by partner organizations show that living conditions have sustainably improved in the first project areas, through the combination of institutional development and the realization of small measures funded by the KfW development bank. Therefore, the programme directly contributes to the reduction of poverty. The local administration and the population is aware of climate issues, through increasing resolution measures about environmental topics and possible adjustment strategies on climate change. Environmental conditions are optimized through the realization of a waste management strategy, which was agreed on by local nongovernmental organizations and local administration. Newly established markets for recyclable waste products have improved the conditions for an increasing income in the informal sector of waste management. The debate on adapting to climate change is instigated by national and local administrations; there is a regular exchange. Small-scale development measures are created and tested in a joint effort with the inhabitants. Activities like participatory community mapping and trainings raise awareness for climate change.