Introduction

As the speed of economic growth accelerates, the threat of climate change increases in developing countries. For instance, one of the developing countries, Bangladesh, faces the challenging task of solving climate change or global warming while maintaining higher economic growth. Bangladesh, which is vulnerable to climate change, is aiming to be an upper-middle-income country by the end of 2031 and a higher-income country by 2041, according to the (PERSPECTIVE PLAN of BANGLADESH). 

In Keynea, this developing country has a goal to become a middle-income country in 2030, as well as it has stated its Vision 2030 plan. Keynea is extremely sensitive to climate change since its economy relies significantly on the agricultural sector. From 1964 to 2023, a large number of disasters caused by climate change occurred due to its sensitivity. The graph below shows how many times these extreme natural events happened from 2000 to 2023.

Source: Centre for Research the Epidemiology of Disasters, 2023 Disasters in Numbers (Brussels: Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, 2023), https://files.emdat.be/reports/2023_EMDAT_report.pdf.

This blog will explain how developing nations such as Bangladesh and Kenya address these climate change challenges while achieving economic and development goals with innovative solutions.

Recent Climate Initiatives

Bangladish

Bangladesh has taken a huge step to deal with the climate change problem, especially in the field of the Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility. This initiative supports projects related to renewable energy with $381.5 million in borrowings and a $49 million subsidy from the EU ( European Union)  and EIB( European Investment Bank), with a goal of 750 MWp of new capacity installation. (Georgieva) Dhaka’s climate action has a target to achieve neutrality of carbon dioxide by 2050; one of the methods is the alternate wetting and drying method, which is called AWD, for sustainable agriculture.

Another name for AWD is controlled irrigation. This can be implemented practically by utilizing a basic perforated field water tube to measure the water table's depth in the field. It is time to flood the soil to a depth of around 5 cm during flowering, which occurs one week before and one week following the maximum flowering, when the water level is 15 cm below the soil's surface.

Keynea 

Keynea has conducted initiatives for climate change, which will have a critical impact with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) from 2023 to 2027. Starting from September 2023, NCCAP concentrates on adaptation, mitigation, as well as climate finance, to decrease greenhouse gas by 32% by 2030 (NDC Partnership). Keynea is a leader in the field of electricity because Keynea produces more than 90 percent of electricity from renewable energy sources such as geothermal and wind, targeting 100% by 2030 (Robina Abuya). 

Economic Alignment

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Bangladesh tries to realise upper-middle-income status by the end of 2031 and a high-income nation by 2041, according to its Long-Term Perspective Plan 2021–2041 and the ninth Five-Year Plan (World Bank Bangladesh Overview). Increasing agricultural productivity, urbanization, industrialization, and climate resilience are some of the main goals. The following is how the climate initiatives align:

Energy Conservation and Cost Reducing strategy: As the nation solves load shedding and increasing electricity fees, the BREF and the expansion of renewable energy sources decrease reliance on imported fossil fuels. Using pre-Ukraine crisis LNG prices of $7.98/MMBtu, research shows that the installation of 2,000 MW of solar power could save $1,107 million yearly and 5.58 million tons of CO2 reduction. This is in line with the objectives of improving economic stability and lowering energy import costs. (“Building Renewable Energy in Bangladesh”)

Industrial Growth and Job Creation: Renewable energy projects, like wind and solar installations, boost industrialization by generating jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, and construction. It is anticipated that the facility will leverage investments of EUR 700 million, boosting economic activity and drawing in foreign direct investment, which increased by almost 13% to $2.9 billion in 2021 (Munir et al.).

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Programs like AWD and floating gardens guarantee agricultural output, which is essential given that about half of the jobs are in this sector. These measures are crucial for economic resilience since, if nothing is done, climate variability may cost one-third of agricultural GDP by 2050 (World Bank Climate Rep).

Keynea

Through infrastructure development, tourism, agricultural productivity, and industrialisation, Kenya's Vision 2030 plan seeks to make the country a middle-income one by 2030. These objectives are in line with climate initiatives in the following ways:

Green industrialisation and job creation: Renewable energy generates jobs in tech and construction. By 2030, the U.S.-Kenya Climate and Clean Energy Industrial Partnership is expected to produce 5,000 electric buses, creating more than 10,000 jobs yearly (Robina Abuya). The Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative promotes low-emission industries.

Agricultural Productivity and Food Security: With the help of the SLCP plan, climate-smart agriculture introduces irrigation and drought-resistant crops, ensuring food for a sector that employs more than 40% of the workforce. The tree-planting campaign strengthens agroforestry to combat a 20% loss in crop yield by 2050 (“Climate Action Key to Kenya’s Upper-Middle-Income Country Aspirations”).

Role of International Aid

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Financial aid and strategic collaboration: Bangladesh is one of the most sensitive countries to climate change; therefore, not only Bangladesh's domestic subsidies but also financial support from abroad are essential. The Bangladesh Climate and Development Platform (BCDP) started in 2023, which includes partners like the World Bank with a 1 billion investment in Green and climate-resilient development. Additionally, it is part of the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) agreement that was passed by the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in January 2023. The Green Climate Fund has distributed more than $400 million for the project of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Other than these major donors, there are plenty of donations happened in Bangladesh, for example, the European Investment Bank and the asian development bank allocated $430.50 million and $ 400 million in Bangladesh, respectively. (Georgieva)

Keynea

Kenya, which has undergone many types of disasters such as floods and droughts, benefits from international support to raise its climate resilience. The World Bank has allocated $150 million to aid community-driven resilience initiatives for the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program. FLLoCA Program in Kenya. A total of $23.2 million for the TWENDE project, $9.5 million for water security in the Upper Athi River, and $29.2 million for agricultural value chains are among the several projects that the Green Climate Fund funds. For green projects in Kenyan counties, the UK donates £6.6 million, or roughly $8.5 million. Green Projects in the UK

Detailed analysis of international aid

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Bangladesh has obtained a large amount of foreign aid to improve its vulnerability in the face of severe climate change, such as hurricanes, which might cost the country $1 billion annually (Country Climate Report). Through the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, the IMF contributes $1.4 billion to the Bangladesh Climate Platform's decarbonization efforts. The Bangladesh Climate Platform integrates climate into public planning with a $1 billion contribution from the World Bank through Green and Climate Resilient Development Credits. While the EU/EIB contributes $430.5 million for renewable energy, the Green Climate Fund allocates more than $400 million for energy and agriculture, raising $763 million for the Bangladesh Climate Platform's 750 MWp capacity. In spite of these initiatives, Bangladesh's climate plans request $533.7 billion, with $5 billion needed annually by 2030 (Climate Crisis, Climate-Resilient Development). With its small 0.56% contribution to emissions, this aid helps Bangladesh achieve its objective of upper-middle-income status by 2031 by improving energy security and preparedness for disasters. However, financing deficit issues still exist, requiring larger contributions.

Keynea

Kenya, which is vulnerable to floods and droughts, has received over $1 billion in climate finance each year to help it reach its Enerdata NDC target of a 35% reduction in emissions by 2035. The $171.4 million FLLoCA Program from the World Bank supports rural resilience in every ward. 620,000 people in Keynea will benefit from the $61.9 million allotted by the Green Climate Fund, which includes $23.15 million for TWENDE. Clean Energy UK PACT is boosted by the £3.7 million PACT program in the UK. Funding shortfalls still exist even though $65 billion would be needed by 2030, with 80% coming from foreign sources. CPI Report. Aid promotes a 92% renewable energy mix and agriculture (22% GDP), but coordination and transparency issues impede advancement. Analysis of CSIS.

Innovative Strategies

Bangladish

Bangladesh has utilised innovative ways to achieve a balanced condition between economic growth and protection from climate change. Applying water hyacinth rafts, floating gardens enable farming during floods, raising yields of nutrient-dense crops like squash and guarantee food security (BBC Floating Gardens).

In coastal areas experiencing sea level rise, salinity-resistant crops sustain productivity and rural living.

The British Asian Trust established the Climate Innovation Fund, which promotes regional approaches to water security and agriculture while creating job opportunities. These tactics demonstrate Bangladesh's capacity for innovation in the face of limitations.

Keynes

Agroforestry, which integrates trees into crop farming structure, is one of the most creative ways to deal with climate change issues in Kenya.

This innovative strategy has allowed rural communities to become stronger and adapt to strange weather patterns. When planted next to fields, trees help keep the soil contains water, prevent soil erosion, which shields crops from intense heat. Furthermore, trees are vital for decreasing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that will cause climate issues. By raising soil fertility and fostering biodiversity, agroforestry not only encourages environmental sustainability but also increases agricultural productivity. Agroforestry is benefiting Kenyan farmers by building a more resilient and stable agricultural system that will guarantee long-term livelihoods and food security.(Kenya)

Conclusion

For developing countries like Bangladesh and Kenya, which seek rapid economic growth, climate change poses an inevitable obstacle. However, both countries, Bangladesh and Kenya, indicate that development and climate resistant are not exclusive. These nations are solving climate risks and expanding their economies by conducting innovative and creative solutions like Kenya's agroforestry and expansion of renewable energy, and Bangladesh's floating gardens and AWD irrigation. Bangladesh and Kenya are seeking to achieve their development goals in a sustainable way with the support of many international organizations, innovative regional solutions, and unique national policies. However, sustained funding, well-coordinated execution, and international collaboration are necessary for these initiatives to succeed. The resilience-building strategies of these nations provide important insights for other developing countries facing comparable issues as climate dangers increase.

Reference

(PERSPECTIVE PLAN of BANGLADESH General Economics Division (GED) Bangladesh Planning Commission Ministry of Planning Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh)

Georgieva, Kristalina . “Bangladesh and Its Partners Are Launching the Bangladesh Climate and Development Platform to Leverage Adaptation and Mitigation Investments.” IMF, 3 Dec. 2023, www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2023/12/03/bangladesh-launch-climate-development-platform-to-leverage-adaptation-and-mitigation-investments.

NDC Partnership. “Kenya Unveils Comprehensive Legal Framework to Accelerate Climate Action | NDC Partnership.” Ndcpartnership.org, 4 Sept. 2023, ndcpartnership.org/news/kenya-unveils-comprehensive-legal-framework-accelerate-climate-action.

Robina Abuya. “Kenya’s Green Leadership: Shaping Africa’s Climate Future.” Csis.org, 2025, www.csis.org/analysis/kenyas-green-leadership-shaping-africas-climate-future.

“Building Renewable Energy in Bangladesh.” The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR), www.nbr.org/publication/building-renewable-energy-in-bangladesh/.

Munir, Zarif, et al. “Bangladesh’s Economy Is Growing, and so Are Its Emerging Champions.” BCG Global, 26 Apr. 2023, www.bcg.com/publications/2023/bangladesh-grows-economy-with-emerging-champions.

Rotich, Ibrahim Kipngeno, et al. “Renewable Energy Status and Uptake in Kenya.” Energy Strategy Reviews, vol. 54, 1 July 2024, pp. 101453–101453, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2024.101453.

“Climate Action Key to Kenya’s Upper-Middle-Income Country Aspirations.” World Bank, www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/11/17/climate-action-key-to-kenya-s-afe-1123-upper-middle-income-country-aspirations.

Sunder, Kalpana. “The Remarkable Floating Gardens of Bangladesh.” Www.bbc.com, BBC, 11 Sept. 2020, www.bbc.com/future/article/20200910-the-remarkable-floating-gardens-of-bangladesh.

Kenya. “Climate Change Has Become a Reality across the Globe, and Rural Communities, Particularly Farmers, Are the Most Affected. In Kenya, Unpredictable Seasons and Extreme Weather Conditions Have Had a Severe Impact on Agricultural Production, Making It Challenging for Farmers to Make a Living.” LinkedIn.com, 21 Apr. 2023, www.linkedin.com/pulse/local-communities-kenya-adapt-changing-climate-innovative.