Beyond coping mechanisms: adaptation of communities to climate change through landcare in East Africa

Abstract

Africa particularly the Sub?Saharan region is among the most vulnerable groups to impacts of climate variability and change. Current debates have shifted emphasis from mitigating climate induced risks to preparing and adapting to the expected adverse effects. Adaptation is often thought of as coping mechanisms that poor communities use to deal with climate change. Despite low adaptive capacity, some communities have developed adaptation strategies to cope with climate variability and extreme events. Recent studies indicate that adaptation can and must go further. Results from Landcare experiences illustrate that communities have the capacity to not only cope with climate change events, but also adapt to the changing weather patterns by taking control of their resources. The Landcare approach enabled communities to address natural resource problems through collective action, partnership and sustainable management of natural resources to address issues of climate change. With access to information, technology options, capacity building, and institutional partnership, communities were able to better manage their resources