270
adoption of CSA, prioritization among CSA options for greater impact, scenarioguided policy development, policy-actor networks and gender-responsive policymaking), thereby contributing to an enhanced science-policy interface. This sharing
of research evidence and experience became the basis for discussions and helped
define the efforts by the MSPs to influence policy. Platform meetings, which generally took place quarterly, had two main sessions: the first featured sharing of research
knowledge and experience, while in the second decisions were made in plenary
through inclusive participatory processes, which normally involved working in
groups followed by a plenary discussion. These processes of knowledge sharing
contributed towards building trust between stakeholders and facilitated finding
common goals and interests, which helped foster unified action.
23.3.2 The Role of MSPs in Promoting CSA
23.3.2.1 Knowledge Creation and Capacity Building
Initial knowledge levels about climate change and CSA varied widely among participants. The questionnaire revealed that stakeholders were generally familiar with
the impacts of climate change, with 83% in Tanzania (n = 29) and 71% in Uganda
(n = 39) reporting a high level of understanding. Knowledge of locally appropriate
adaptation options was considerably lower, with 58% in Tanzania and 77% in
Uganda reporting low or medium knowledge levels. Knowledge of policy processes was higher in Tanzania, where 41% and 45% rated their level of familiarity
as high in policy formulation and implementation processes, respectively, as compared to 21% and 29% in Uganda. These differences can be explained by the actor
composition of MSPs: Uganda had a higher proportion of representatives from
non-state actors in their MSPs, whereas MSPs in Tanzania were disproportionately
composed of government representatives who were familiar with policy formulation and implementation processes (Table 23.1).
Table 23.1 Composition of
national MSPs at inception
meetings (October–
November 2014)
Institution category
Sample size
Uganda
Tanzania
Association
5
–
Academia
–
3
Consultant
–
1
Media
2
–
NGOs/CSOs
22
3
Government ministries
2
8
Government departments 1
6
Government agencies
2
5
Local government
4
2
Research
1
1
Total
39
29
M. Acosta et al.
adoption of CSA, prioritization among CSA options for greater impact, scenarioguided policy development, policy-actor networks and gender-responsive policymaking), thereby contributing to an enhanced science-policy interface. This sharing
of research evidence and experience became the basis for discussions and helped
define the efforts by the MSPs to influence policy. Platform meetings, which generally took place quarterly, had two main sessions: the first featured sharing of research
knowledge and experience, while in the second decisions were made in plenary
through inclusive participatory processes, which normally involved working in
groups followed by a plenary discussion. These processes of knowledge sharing
contributed towards building trust between stakeholders and facilitated finding
common goals and interests, which helped foster unified action.
23.3.2 The Role of MSPs in Promoting CSA
23.3.2.1 Knowledge Creation and Capacity Building
Initial knowledge levels about climate change and CSA varied widely among participants. The questionnaire revealed that stakeholders were generally familiar with
the impacts of climate change, with 83% in Tanzania (n = 29) and 71% in Uganda
(n = 39) reporting a high level of understanding. Knowledge of locally appropriate
adaptation options was considerably lower, with 58% in Tanzania and 77% in
Uganda reporting low or medium knowledge levels. Knowledge of policy processes was higher in Tanzania, where 41% and 45% rated their level of familiarity
as high in policy formulation and implementation processes, respectively, as compared to 21% and 29% in Uganda. These differences can be explained by the actor
composition of MSPs: Uganda had a higher proportion of representatives from
non-state actors in their MSPs, whereas MSPs in Tanzania were disproportionately
composed of government representatives who were familiar with policy formulation and implementation processes (Table 23.1).
Table 23.1 Composition of
national MSPs at inception
meetings (October–
November 2014)
Institution category
Sample size
Uganda
Tanzania
Association
5
–
Academia
–
3
Consultant
–
1
Media
2
–
NGOs/CSOs
22
3
Government ministries
2
8
Government departments 1
6
Government agencies
2
5
Local government
4
2
Research
1
1
Total
39
29
M. Acosta et al.