Least developed countries are among the most vulnerable to climate change, and urgent adaptation support is critical to safeguard communities and ecosystems.

The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), created in 2001 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and managed by the GEF, helps countries prepare and implement National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs). As part of OPS5, the Independent Evaluation Office reviewed 138 NAPA projects approved between 2009 and 2012 in 50 countries to assess their design and alignment with national priorities.

The evaluation finds that all projects reflect NAPA priorities, with 58 percent addressing the highest-ranked issue.

Agriculture dominates as the leading concern, appearing in nearly all NAPAs and guiding one-third of projects, followed by water and natural resource management. Most projects also incorporate gender strategies (82 percent) and ensure strong community involvement (96 percent).

These results suggest the fund is enabling countries to target pressing adaptation needs while promoting inclusive approaches. The report recommends reinforcing alignment with national priorities, strengthening agriculture and water measures, expanding gender integration, and sustaining broad stakeholder engagement in future programming.