Community-based adaptation to climate change : the concept, challenges and way forward

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The concept of adaptation to climate change has gained strong momentum worldwide since its emergence in the early 1990s, particularly in recent years. Regardless of the outcome of ongoing international climate negotiations, adaptation to climate change is particularly important for poor communities and those vulnerable to various climate hazards, such as flooding, drought, landslides and cyclones/hurricanes. Owing to the unavoidably local nature of adaptation, one must consider a series of activities that are deeply rooted at the community level. By first visiting the origin and concepts of adaptation and vulnerability, this paper examines the concept, existing lessons and challenges of the relatively new practice of community-based adaptation to climate change (CBA). Although the activities take place at the community level, in order to go beyond the anecdotal or a mere compilation of micro-studies, this paper discusses important issues relating to CBA, including the flow of official development assistance, the importance and involvement of local organizations, civil society participation and community self-mobilization, all of which are essential to ensure the sustainability of CBA. By referring to several case studies from an actual CBA program, the paper discusses the challenges facing current CBA practices and presents suggestions for its successful implementation.
2011-04-12