Sea level rise threatens water supply in coastal Tanzania due to salinization of the water table. Lack of steady water supply forces women to travel long distances for water, which takes time away from other activities. In other cases, families purchase water, which can be expensive. Farm operations are compromised by inavailability of irrigation. Diseases are more prevalent due to water shortages.

The installation of photovolaic solar energy systems in three Senegalese villages led to an increase in local productivity by encouraging people to stay in the villages instead of leaving in search of economic opportunity. Many socio-economic benefits associated with electricity provision were observed, such as improved health services, enhanced livelihood, and educational and cultural opportunities.

The World Bank began a project in 1983 that involved installing 15,000 of low-cost shallow tube well technology combined with small engine-driven water pumps, a new technology that soon acquired the name "fadama irrigation".

This project has two components. First, to counteract flooding from sea level rise, this project will improve the ability of the Government to manage water levels behind the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) dam during heavy rains by improving internal water flows in the EDWC and increasing EDWC drainage relief capacity to the Demerara River and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.