Climate Change Adaptation Policies Research Articles

Climate change adaptation through traditional Buffalo knowledge: learning reflection from the Blackfoot indigenous community

ABSTRACT This paper highlights the potential of Indigenous Buffalo knowledge as a valuable resource for adapting to the impacts of climate change. Buffalo, particularly in regions where they have been traditionally reared, have played a crucial role in Indigenous cultures and livelihoods. Indigenous communities have developed an intimate understanding of buffalo behaviour, ecological interactions, and their relationship with changing environmental conditions. This traditional Buffalo knowledge encompasses observations, practices, and Indigenous knowledge systems passed down through generations, providing insights into adaptive strategies that can be applied in the face of climate change. Following decolonial and relational theoretical frameworks, we used deep listening to learn how traditional Buffalo knowledge contributed to climate change adaptation strategies in Indigenous communities; how does integrating traditional Buffalo knowledge into climate change adaptation policies and practices contribute to the resilience of vulnerable communities? What challenges and opportunities are associated with incorporating traditional Buffalo knowledge into mainstream climate change adaptation efforts?

Targeting farmers’ heterogeneity to enrich climate change adaptation policy design: findings from northern Italy

With its scientifically proven effects and widespread acceptance, climate change stands as one of the most pressing and intricate challenges for society and economies. Farmers are on the frontline of managing climate change. Therefore, how they perceive and respond to climate change shapes their risk assessment and structures future resilience and adaptive capacity. Employing a bottom-up approach, we conducted 460 surveys randomly among farmers throughout the Lombardy region in northern Italy. A triple-loop approach considering climate change awareness, perceived impacts, and adaptation measures and barriers was implemented to characterize the potential heterogeneity of farmer behaviour and explore whether risk attitudes and adaptation actions differ between farmer profiles. We then profiled farmers through a clustering analysis. Four groups emerged, highlighting farmers’ adaptation preferences and risk attitudes: (1) cropping-adapted and isolated farmers, (2) cooperation-adapted and insecure farmers, (3) risk insurance-adapted and confident farmers, and (4) climate services-adapted and aware farmers. Although the groups vary in terms of farmers’ characterization and farming activities (e.g. young and highly educated vs. old and highly experienced farmers, rainfed vs. irrigated farms), similar patterns were observed regarding climate change awareness and perceived impacts—however, the contrast increased in terms of adaptation measures and barriers. Gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse ways in which farmers assess risks and adapt can promote the transferability of bottom-up findings and inform the co-design of tailored and flexible adaptation instruments, minimizing the risk of maladaptation or ineffective transformation in the face of climate change.

The Potential use of Reclaimed Water for Irrigation Purposes: Is it Overestimated?

AbstractThe use of reclaimed water is expected to increase in the coming years, mainly in water-scarce areas. In the European Union (EU), an increase in the use of reclaimed water is expected to play a significant role within the European circular economy strategy and climate change adaptation policies with the aim to enhance overall sustainability of water resource management. While several institutions have offered estimations of the potential of reclaimed water reuse in the EU context, these estimations tend to overestimate potential reuse volumes since they fail to fully consider the following important issues: (a) the role of return flows in basins where cascade reuse is crucial in maintaining downstream uses (including ecological flows); (b) the availability of abundant (and cheaper) conventional resources; and (c) the economic productivity of water as an indicator of users’ willingness to pay for reclaimed water. This study focuses on the Spanish case since this is currently the EU member state with the highest potential for reclaimed water reuse. Findings show that previous estimations of reusable water volumes in Spain may have overestimated potential volumes. The proposed analysis can be extrapolated to other EU regions, where realistic estimations of the potential of reclaimed water might be much needed.

Mapping the exposure of tourism to weather extremes: the need for a spatially-explicit gridded dataset for disaster risk reduction

Abstract Tourism is a highly important economic sector worldwide, yet it is often less than optimally represented in terms of detailed spatial information. An accurate spatial representation of tourism can provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of tourism vulnerabilities and exposure, allowing policymakers to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policies. Here, we stress the need for and propose a first prototype of an open-access spatially-explicit gridded database based on social media data for over 150 different tourism-related classes that depicts tourism density (supply and demand) and perceived satisfaction in Europe. We showcase the potential benefits of such database by mapping the exposure of specific tourism sectors to a range of weather extremes, including floods, windstorms, and heat stress. Based on these results, we argue that a homogeneous spatially-explicit database of tourism is essential to support efficient investments in preparedness and disaster resilience.

Influence of Climate Change Adaptation Policies on Sheep Farming Viability in Australia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of climate change adaptation policies on sheep farming viability in Australia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Climate change adaptation policies in Australia have significantly influenced the viability of sheep farming in recent years. Research indicates that the implementation of targeted adaptation measures, such as improved pasture management and water conservation strategies, has helped mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on sheep farming viability. Studies have shown that farms adopting these policies have experienced higher survival rates of livestock and increased profitability compared to those without such measures. Additionally, government support programs aimed at assisting sheep farmers in implementing climate adaptation strategies have been instrumental in enhancing the resilience of the sector. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Adaptation theory in environmental economics, resilience theory & theory of planned behavior (TPB) may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the impact of climate change on wheat yields in Australia. The enhancement of breeding programs focuses on practical genetic advancements to create drought and heat-resistant sheep varieties, addressing direct climate impacts on livestock. By advocating for government and industry funding for genetic research, the recommendations influence policy towards investing in long-term solutions for climate resilience.

Motivating factors of farmers’ adaptation behaviors to climate change in China: A meta-analysis

Adapting to climate change is critical to building sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Understanding farmers' perceptions of climate change has become the key to the effective implementation of climate change adaptation policies. This research draws multidisciplinary attention to how farmers participate in decision-making on adaptation behaviors and provides useful insights for realizing synergies between environmental change and agricultural production. In this work, we conducted a meta-analysis of 63 quantitative studies on Chinese farmers' adaptation to climate change to assess the relationship between motivational factors and adaptation behavior. Our analysis highlights that farmers' perceptions of precipitation changes are often inaccurate; however, other psychological factors, such as perception, experience, and risk attitude, significantly positively impact their adaptation behavior. In addition, different climate regions are the main source of high heterogeneity in inter-study comparisons of climate change perception, and the effect of climate regions may therefore constitute a moderating factor that weakens the positive relationship between climate change perception and adaptive behavior. Furthermore, this study highlights the need to intervene at the household level to enhance farmers' adaptability to climate change, which includes providing support through income diversification, early warning information services, training, assistance, credit, subsidies, and other resources. In the future, research on how perception, experience, and risk interact to affect adaptive behavior should be strengthened.

Farmers Perceptions of Climate Change Issues in Tetritskaro Municipality, Georgia

Agriculture is the traditional and leading field of economy of Tetritskaro Municipality, but faces the challenge of changing climate. The study investigates male and female farmers’ perception of climate change issues in Tetritskaro, their main source of information, adaptation measures choosen and their needs. Climate change data available in Tetritskaro focused on characteristic extreme weather events coupled with face-to-face interviews from 254 farmers (male - 53%, female - 47%) was analyzed. The study revealed that men and women have more or less similar perceptions of climate change issues. For male farmers, the main source of information on climate, seasonal prediction and weather forecast is conversations with fellow farmers, and for female farmers it is indigenous knowledge of the local environment. Male and female farmers, have adapted to the changes in climate similarly applying measures such as pesticides, fertilizer and irrigation, early sowing, and earlier harvest, while the exchange of information between fellow farmers, use of various hail protection products and crop diversification techniques is more frequent among male farmers. Farmers expressed the need for low interest loans to purchase agricultural products, equipment and restore/create windbreak zones. Most of the male farmers indicate the need for introduction new technologies, while female farmers are more in need of information and training in agricultural activities. The study shows the need for development of climate change adaptation policies and interventions in Tetritskaro. Obtained results can be used not only in other agricultural regions of Georgia, but in other countries with the same problems.

The Impact of Climate Change on Food Security and Natural Resource Management in Smallholder Crop Farming Systems at Mthonjaneni Local Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

This study assessed the impact of climate change on food security and natural resource management on crop farming systems. Forty-five respondents were interviewed using an open-ended, and structured questionnaire. The open-ended questions allowed respondents to share their thoughts and experiences in their own words, while the structured questions helped to ensure that all respondents were asked the same questions and that the data collected was consistent. The results of this study showed that smallholder farmers perceived an increase in hot days (51.1%), a decrease in rainfall (51.1%), and a decrease in flood occurrence (71.1%). In addition, 95.2% of the respondents indicated that climatic conditions have influenced their farming systems. Natural resource changes noticed by farmers because of climate change include reduced grazing feedlot for livestock farmers (85%), reduced herbaceous cover (80%), decline in volume of water (57.8%), and increased tree damage and land degradation (11.1%). Increased soil erosion (6.7%) and increased bush encroachment (2.2%) were some of the natural resource challenges facing smallholder farmers. Some signs of climate change experienced by farmers included increases in crop pests (71%) and crop disease (8,9%). The adaptation strategies applied included the following: use of water harvesting, use of little soil disturbance techniques, adjusted fertiliser use, application of different planting dates techniques, use of different crop varieties, use of drought tolerant seeds, applied crop diversification, use of techniques that shortened growth length, planting new trees and avoiding planting on sloppy areas, and applied soil conservation techniques. Agriculture extension advisors should address vulnerable systems, including agricultural water and natural resources. In addition, it is important for agriculture extension advisors to strengthen the link between climate change adaptation and key climate change policy processesto improve their effectiveness and ability to deal with the effects of climate change. This will help overcome shortcomings along the food value chain and ensure food security.

Climate change adaptation policies and institutional arrangement: Agriculture and fishery sector in India

<p>India’s agriculture and fishing sectors confront significant challenges due to climate change because of its distinctive geographical location and predominantly agrarian economy, highlighting the urgent need for institutional frameworks and effective adaptation strategies. This study delves into the current state of institutional structures and policies aimed at climate change adaptation within these key sectors in India. Through an exhaustive analysis of literature, official reports, and policy documents, the research evaluates the policies and interventions implemented to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture and fisheries. Several policies are in abode to facilitate the planning, establishment, and implementation of adaptation programs at the national and regional scales in the country. However, given India’s broad geographical size and varied socio-cultural settings, the adaptation requirements of diverse sectors and susceptible populations are still not sufficiently recognized and addressed. Key areas under scrutiny include crop diversification, water management techniques, technological advancements, and community-based adaptation approaches.<em> </em>Furthermore, the study evaluates the effectiveness of existing institutional arrangements including governmental bodies, academic institutions, and community organizations in fostering climate resilience across different domains. By synthesizing insights from diverse sources, this research aims to offer valuable perspectives on the institutional dynamics and policy landscape shaping climate change adaptation efforts in India’s agriculture and fisheries sectors to build resilience and sustainability.<strong><em> </em></strong>This research paper highlights some of the evolving as well as existing adaptation requirements and suggests how new research, policy, and practice engagements could meet these requirements.<strong></strong></p>

Navigating climate change complexity and deep uncertainty: approach for building socio-ecological resilience using qualitative dynamic simulation

The consequences of climate change on different sectors of society are interrelated. The threats posed by rising global temperatures, intensifying extreme weather events, and shifting climatic patterns are becoming increasingly evident all around the world. Policymakers face the daunting task of assessing climate change risks, encompassing impacts and response strategies, to guide sustainability transformations. In this study, we introduce a four-step qualitative Decision Making Under Deep Uncertainty (DMDU) approach in the context of Climate Change Impact Assessments (CCIA). Our goal is to enhance the integration of CCIA into spatial planning, particularly in the Global South, using qualitative system dynamics simulation. Emphasizing the value of qualitative DMDU, we explore vulnerability and resilience through a lens of multi-sectoral and multi-scalar socio-ecological processes. We exemplify our approach by applying CCIA to the coastal zone of Yucatán, Mexico, accounting for social and environmental heterogeneity across the four Regions in which it is administered. Results identify the optimal allocation of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies to address specified resilience in each Region, all of which are required to achieve the overall resilience of the coastal zone. We argue that our qualitative DMDU approach provides an analytical platform to address the trade-offs inherent in the ranking of multiple vulnerabilities related to achieving general resilience.

Evaluating policy coherence and integration for adaptation: the case of EU policies and Arctic cross-border climate change impacts

ABSTRACT The impacts of climate change materialize in different ways and are of varying magnitudes at different locations around the world. Adaptation is a global policy challenge because some of those impacts propagate across borders. The presence of borders influences the policy responses that may aim at preventing, alleviating, or exploiting the impacts. Yet the dynamics of responses to cross-border impacts have not been explored in research on policy coherence. We extend the analysis of climate policy coherence and integration to cover adaptation policies that are enacted at different but interacting geographical locations, proposing a conceptual approach how to do this. We illustrate our approach with examples of European Union (EU) policies related to the cross-border ramifications of climate change impacts originating in the Arctic. Our example highlights interconnections between climate change adaptation policy with foreign, security and trade policies. Since climate change impacts are transmitted through systems that cross borders, policymakers in the EU and elsewhere should recognize the links between policy domains with potential significance in responding to these propagating impacts. The policy responses of a recipient region at risk of such impacts are limited by jurisdictional borders. By explicitly recognizing elements of integration and coherence, more effective policy actions can be developed. Seeking coherence between climate and other policies between different regions, intertwined together via global networks of trade and other relations, should be a fundamental policy goal for the EU.

Coastal Restoration Challenges and Strategies for Small Island Developing States in the Face of Sea Level Rise and Climate Change

The climate crisis poses a grave threat to numerous small island developing states (SIDS), intensifying risks from extreme weather events and sea level rise (SLR). This vulnerability heightens the dangers of coastal erosion, chronic water quality degradation, and dwindling coastal resources, demanding global attention. The resultant loss of ecological persistence, functional services, and ecosystem resilience jeopardizes protection against wave action and SLR, endangering coastal habitats’ economic value, food security, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Implementing integrated strategies is imperative. A thorough discussion of available strategies and best management practices for coastal ecosystem restoration is presented in the context of SIDS needs, threats, and major constraints. Solutions must encompass enhanced green infrastructure restoration (coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves/wetlands, urban shorelines), sustainable development practices, circular economy principles, and the adoption of ecological restoration policies. This requires securing creative and sustainable funding, promoting green job creation, and fostering local stakeholder engagement. Tailored to each island’s reality, solutions must overcome numerous socio-economic, logistical, and political obstacles. Despite challenges, timely opportunities exist for coastal habitat restoration and climate change adaptation policies. Integrated strategies spanning disciplines and stakeholders necessitate significant political will.

The significance of farmers’ climate change and salinity perceptions for on-farm adaptation strategies in the south-central coast of Bangladesh

Climate change contributes to a rise in salinity levels in the coastal regions of Bangladesh, notably impacting agricultural productivity. Therefore, crop-level adaptation strategies against salinity are crucial to increase productivity. In this study, our objective is to explore farm-level adaptation to climate change-induced salinity in the south-central coastal area of Bangladesh, considering the farmers' perception of climate change and salinity ingress as well as their adaptation strategies. Subsequently, we compare our findings with climatic and salinity data acquired from secondary sources. The study area was partitioned into three distinct zones delineated by proximity to the coastline, and primary data was collected from 475 households within these salinity zones using a multistage random sampling technique. Data collection was carried out using semi-structured questionnaires, which had been pretested on the respondents' perceptions for validity and reliability. The results indicate that while farmers possess an awareness of long-term alterations in climatic conditions, such as changes in temperature and precipitation, they often fail to attribute these changes to climate change explicitly. They could perceive changes in salinity over time but had difficulty perceiving cyclonic events. Farmers realize the risks posed by hydroclimatic variability and extreme weather events. Interestingly, while farmers may not be taking explicit measures to address perceived climatic changes, we discern that they are indeed modifying their agricultural and farming practices, such as fertilizer application, land leveling, and freshwater application. Traditional farming systems increase vulnerability and reduce persistence. In pursuit of enhanced resilience, households must implement various adaptation strategies for resilient farming practices. Moreover, our findings indicate that farmers are interested in adopting diverse adaptation strategies that require technical and financial support, particularly for the smallholders. In conclusion, this research provides valuable information for formulating climate change adaptation policies in the context of coastal agriculture in Bangladesh.

Long-term changes in vegetation and land use in mountainous areas with heavy snowfalls in northern Japan: an 80-year comparison of vegetation maps

Comparison of old and new vegetation maps is an effective way to detect vegetation dynamics. Recent developments in computer technology have made it possible to accurately compare old paper vegetation maps with current digitized vegetation maps to reveal long-term vegetation dynamics. Recently, a 1:50,000 scale vegetation map of the Hakkoda Mountains in northern Japan, located in the ecotone of cool temperate and subalpine forests in northern Japan under an East Asian monsoon climate, from 1930 was discovered. We compared the 1930s vegetation map with the most recent 2010 vegetation map to test the following hypotheses: 1) the occurrence of upward expansion of the upper limit of cool-temperate deciduous forests, and 2) whether designation as a national park in 1936 would have reduced forestry and land use, expanded beech forests, and cool-temperate deciduous forests. To compare vegetation changes, 67 types of vegetation legends for the 1930 and 2010 maps were unified to 21 based on plant species composition. Consequently, vegetation has changed substantially over the past 80 years. 1) In the subalpine zone above 1,000 m, the coniferous forest area decreased by half. In the cool temperate zone below 1,000 m, the area of beech forests increased 1.48 times, and some of them could be shifted upwards, replacing subalpine fir forests in the lower part of the subalpine zone. 2) In areas below 700 m, deciduous oak forests once used as thickets were almost halved. Instead, climax and beech forests expanded. However, we also found that even after the area was declared a national park, oak forests were cleared and converted to commercial forests such as cedar plantations, cattle ranches, and horse pastures in some areas. These results will be useful for future ecosystem and biodiversity research/conservation and will provide baseline information for climate change adaptation policies.

Place-Based Adaptation through Network Governance

Following the inception of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) within the UNFCCC in 1992, national CCA plans began to emerge around 2008. However, identifying successful cases of adaptation remains challenging. This is because CCA policies often stop at planning, with selective reporting of relevant projects. Recognizing that planning is not the same as actual delivery, substantial gaps persist in connecting these plans to concrete actions, hindering successful adaptation. This paper explores this implementation deficit through the examination of three different governance modes (hierarchies, markets, and networks). Drawing on a policy review (desk study), a qualitative online survey, and semi-structured interviews with professionals engaged in local CCA policies, we identified enablers of effective adaptation policy progress by comparing the Edinburgh and Glasgow city regions. Despite their close spatial and relational proximity, these two city regions have distinct administrative geographies, political leadership, and adaptation-related networks, which identify unique local contexts sufficient to drive different CCA progress. We noted more CCA progress when specific resources included coordinators (dedicated staff) and fiscal supplements, along with regional networks connecting local communities and strengthening partnerships while sharing common values such as reputational opportunities in the Glasgow city region. These findings shed light on effective adaptation governance modes that require not only a deep understanding of place-based contexts but also the presence or nurturing of broader and reinforced networks.

Ethnoecology and Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture

Ethnoecology, the study of how different cultures perceive and interact with their environments, plays a critical role in understanding climate change adaptation in agriculture. This article explores the relationship between ethnoecology and climate change adaptation strategies employed in agricultural practices. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study conducts an extensive review of literature and library research to examine the intersection of ethnoecology and climate change adaptation in agricultural contexts. Through the synthesis of existing literature, the article identifies various indigenous knowledge systems, traditional agricultural practices, and local adaptations that communities have developed over generations to cope with changing climatic conditions. Additionally, the study analyzes the effectiveness and limitations of ethnoecological approaches in enhancing agricultural resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific research and modern technologies to develop holistic and context-specific adaptation strategies. The findings underscore the significance of ethnoecology as a valuable source of knowledge for informing climate change adaptation policies and practices in agriculture. By recognizing and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into adaptation initiatives, stakeholders can enhance the resilience of agricultural systems and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities vulnerable to climate change. This study contributes to advancing understanding of the role of ethnoecology in climate change adaptation and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex environmental challenges.

Using climate financing wisely to address multiple crises

A convergence of several risk drivers creates the compound crises we see across the globe today. At the same time, the global humanitarian community and national institutions in affected countries are increasingly resource constrained. In this context, existing financing mechanisms should be evaluated for their potential to create synergies between social protection, peace, and inclusion objectives on the one hand and climate resilience outcomes on the other. The existing international architecture of climate change mitigation and adaptation policy and financing holds, in principle, the potential to address not only its main purpose of climate action, but also to contribute to development outcomes and address multiple risk drivers. Examples of this exist, but for these mutual benefits to emerge, and for climate finance to contribute more significantly to crises prevention, the agendas must become more aligned. Aligning several factors may enable coherence: i) Timeframes, from short-term response to multi-year programming; ii) Planning and targeting, moving towards conflict-sensitive area-based approaches and universal access to services; iii) Institutional arrangements and partnerships, coordinated national planning and jointly implemented local action.

Toward a transformative climate change adaptation from local to global perspective—A transdisciplinary challenge by Kyoto Climate Change Adaptation Center

Policies for climate change adaptation differ from those for climate change mitigation, both of which share the common aim of maintaining a sustainable climate system that enables humankind to survive while enjoying wellbeing. Considering the variability in regional conditions, they must be diverse throughout the policymaking process, with the participation of multiple stakeholders, to place the livelihood of residents as the central issue. Simultaneously, these regional diversities must also be realized in a manner consistent with the global goal of climate change mitigation. To that end, comprehensive and transformative adaptation measures are essential, rather than responding to imminent issues on an ad-hoc basis. As the literature shows, a transdisciplinary approach involving researchers across different fields and multiple non-academic sectors can fill the gaps in transformative adaptation. Still, it has yet to be implemented because of the lack of experience of this issue. Here, we present key findings that affect the generation of synergies and tradeoffs among issues through our novel transdisciplinary approach in Kyoto, Japan, via a series of Future Design workshops in agriculture in collaboration with local farmers, regional policymakers, and researchers with diverse backgrounds. These results provide a direction for future research to secure a methodological foundation that will facilitate the sustainability of these efforts.

Why adaptation falters: principles for climate change adaptation policy assessment in Vietnam

PurposeRecognition that not every climate adaptation policy is a good one has shifted attention to new tools and methods to measure the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation policies. This study aims to propose and apply and applies an innovative adaptation policy assessment framework to identify the extent to which climate adaptation policies in Vietnam exhibit conditions that are likely to ensure a sufficient, credible and effective adaptation.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 21 conditions, categorized under five normative principles and covering critical issue areas in adaptation domain, form the climate adaptation policy assessment framework. The principles were double-checked and tested in case studies through observations and analyses of policy documents to ensure that each condition should be distinct and not overlapping across principles. To see if the principles and attendant conditions were able to capture all relevant aspects of adaptation, the authors used structured expert judgment. In total, 39 policy documents pertaining to climate change adaptation were selected for qualitative document analysis. In-depth interviews with local officials and experts were conducted to address data gaps.FindingsThe study reveals major weaknesses constituting a reasonably worrisome picture of the adaptation policies in Vietnam since several critical conditions were underrepresented. These results shed new light on why some adaptation policies falter or are posing adverse impacts. The findings suggest that a sound policy assessment framework can provide evidence on what effective adaptation policy looks like and how it can be enabled. The framework for climate adaptation policy assessment in this study can be easily adjusted and used for different socio-environmental contexts in which new conditions for policy assessment might emerge.Social implicationsThe findings show underlying weaknesses constituting a reasonably worrisome picture of the adaptation regime in Vietnam. In the absence of mechanisms and measures for accountability and transparency in policy processes, adaptation in Vietnam appears more likely to be prone to maladaptation and corruption. While solving these problems will not be easy for Vietnam, the government needs to evaluate whether the short-term gains in sustaining the existing adaptation policies really make progress and serve its long-term climate-adaptive development goals.Originality/valueAlthough interpretations of adaptation effectiveness may be very divergent in different normative views on adaptation outcomes, the authors argue that a common, agreed-upon effectiveness can be reached if it is clearly defined and measurable in adaptation policies. Thus, the climate adaptation policy assessment framework proposed in this study is critical for policymakers, practitioners, donors and stakeholders dealing with adaptation to better understand the weaknesses in policymaking processes, pinpoint priority areas of action and timely prevent or prepare for possible adverse impacts of policies.

Local Context Capacity Building Needs for Climate Change Adaptation among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda: Policy and Practice Implications

Climate change impacts threaten sustainable development efforts. The magnitude of the impacts, however, varies with the socio-ecological characteristics of locations. This is the reason there is consensus on the necessity for climate change adaptive capacity building that is country driven, and based on, and responsive to, local needs. However, information on context specific capacity building needs in developing countries is not readily available. The objective of this study was to establish location specific awareness, training, educational research and technology capacity building needs for climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers in Uganda. Semi-structured questionnaires were used with 465 households from five agro-ecological zones, selected based on the level of vulnerability of agricultural systems to the main climate variation and change hazards. Results reveal substantial capacity building needs in all the zones. The majority of the farmers needed capacity building for interventions on soil-water conservation practices for adapting to drought and unpredictable rainfall. For all zones, education, research, and technology were perceived as key needs. However, the needs varied among zones. These results demonstrate the importance of context specificity in adaptation efforts. The study provides agro-ecological and social system specific information for climate change adaptation planning and policy interventions for effective capacity building.