Using empirical evidence from case-studies undertaken in Niger and North-east Brazil, this research project identifies how climate change adaptation can be integrated within the water sector to benefit the poor and vulnerable:
- How is climate uncertainty impacting the way the poor manage their water resources in the semi-arid environment; their adaptive responses to climate variability. What are the associated needs to help support these responses?
- What is the policy and institutional context in each country in relation to tackling water and climate change?
Key findings
Despite the challenges faced, communities have shown resilience in the face of climate variability and are adapting to their circumstances with a number of water and economic-related responses. But at the national level, climate risk considerations are not being factored systematically into water sectoral planning and implementation, and the institutional structures are currently inadequate.
Recommendations
- adoption of climate risk based approaches
- development of cross-sectoral approaches to water resources management planning
- support to the decentralisation process for the water sector
- ensuring that a pro-poor approach to water resources management encompasses differentiated solutions according to the needs of different groups
- that adaptive capacity is strengthened at the local level by supporting localised water resources approaches that are adapting to climate variability.