1 Introduction
9
there is support for actions, and so that information exchange between stakeholders
and authorities can be quickly responsive to emergent situations and provide optimal
adaptive action. However, the key challenge in developing responsive institutions
lies in building the adaptive capacity of such institutions. In fact, effective response
to climate change relies on both the ability to accurately predict the changing climate
and its water-related impacts, and on the ability to respond to change. This combined
approach enables innovation at all levels, and creates flexible and responsive water
management systems. Flexible allocation systems that adjust to short-term climate
variability and longer term climate change are of critical importance (Claussen et al.
2003).
3.6 Decentralize Adaptation
Adaptation takes place on a number of levels, ranging, for example, from the creation
of major storage and flood prevention infrastructure to the household level, particularly in rural areas (Niang et al. 2014). While governments may not be able to
consistently extend the necessary services to vulnerable populations to protect them
from climate change, information itself can assist communities and households to
prepare themselves for coming changes. Information and training for rural communities is therefore particularly important because of their vulnerability, and because
they are often left out of the information loop. Information can include alternative
crops and climate-smart production methods, improved livestock management techniques, local water resource use and protection, and flood protection and warning
systems (Chap. 15).
Gender mainstreaming and understanding the particular vulnerabilities of women
should also form a key part of climate change adaptation strategies (Chaps. 15 and
20). Women are particularly at risk from climate change and natural disasters, being
physically less able to escape from floods, for example, because of their need to carry
babies or small children. Women in countries with the greatest cultural differences
between the roles and expectations of women and men are most vulnerable in this
regard. Thus, it is essential that disaster plans are gender-sensitive and address the
particular cultural expectations and norms of women. Also, it is critical that investments in infrastructure and technology reflect the priorities and needs of women
and men, and that women and men are actively involved in decisions relating to
infrastructure development.
Access to groundwater is perhaps the most critical factor enabling both rural and
urban populations to maintain sustainable livelihoods (Chap. 6). Groundwater is
strategically important for adaptation because it is the key resource for local coping
strategies. Because it has remained a poorly understood resource, however, groundwater is still insufficiently considered in the Integrated Water Resource Management
(IWRM) and Integrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM) approaches, as well as
generally in development planning. This deficiency needs to be addressed strategically through appropriate regional, sub-regional and national policies, proper integration into IWRM/ILBM processes, structures and institutions, and appropriate
prioritization in adaptation initiatives.
9
there is support for actions, and so that information exchange between stakeholders
and authorities can be quickly responsive to emergent situations and provide optimal
adaptive action. However, the key challenge in developing responsive institutions
lies in building the adaptive capacity of such institutions. In fact, effective response
to climate change relies on both the ability to accurately predict the changing climate
and its water-related impacts, and on the ability to respond to change. This combined
approach enables innovation at all levels, and creates flexible and responsive water
management systems. Flexible allocation systems that adjust to short-term climate
variability and longer term climate change are of critical importance (Claussen et al.
2003).
3.6 Decentralize Adaptation
Adaptation takes place on a number of levels, ranging, for example, from the creation
of major storage and flood prevention infrastructure to the household level, particularly in rural areas (Niang et al. 2014). While governments may not be able to
consistently extend the necessary services to vulnerable populations to protect them
from climate change, information itself can assist communities and households to
prepare themselves for coming changes. Information and training for rural communities is therefore particularly important because of their vulnerability, and because
they are often left out of the information loop. Information can include alternative
crops and climate-smart production methods, improved livestock management techniques, local water resource use and protection, and flood protection and warning
systems (Chap. 15).
Gender mainstreaming and understanding the particular vulnerabilities of women
should also form a key part of climate change adaptation strategies (Chaps. 15 and
20). Women are particularly at risk from climate change and natural disasters, being
physically less able to escape from floods, for example, because of their need to carry
babies or small children. Women in countries with the greatest cultural differences
between the roles and expectations of women and men are most vulnerable in this
regard. Thus, it is essential that disaster plans are gender-sensitive and address the
particular cultural expectations and norms of women. Also, it is critical that investments in infrastructure and technology reflect the priorities and needs of women
and men, and that women and men are actively involved in decisions relating to
infrastructure development.
Access to groundwater is perhaps the most critical factor enabling both rural and
urban populations to maintain sustainable livelihoods (Chap. 6). Groundwater is
strategically important for adaptation because it is the key resource for local coping
strategies. Because it has remained a poorly understood resource, however, groundwater is still insufficiently considered in the Integrated Water Resource Management
(IWRM) and Integrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM) approaches, as well as
generally in development planning. This deficiency needs to be addressed strategically through appropriate regional, sub-regional and national policies, proper integration into IWRM/ILBM processes, structures and institutions, and appropriate
prioritization in adaptation initiatives.