Shaping strategies: factors and actors in climate change adaptation
This report outlines the findings of a two-year research project exploring household vulnerability and resilience in the context of climate variability and change. The key concern of the research was to contribute to the understanding of how households are experiencing and responding to climate shocks and stressors, what is supporting or undermining their capacity to respond, and whether or not these livelihood responses move them on a path towards becoming more resilient in the face of a changing climate. It also seeks to contribute to the wider research and development community, adding to the empirical knowledge base on vulnerability and adaptation to climate change through the use of case studies to inform policy and practice.
The study draws on local-level case studies conducted over two years in communities in the Bolivian Highlands, the Aguán Valley in northern Honduras, Tharaka district in Kenya, and Balaka district in southern Malawi. Data was collected using qualitative and quantitative methods on livelihood responses taken by households to tackle climate and non-climate related shocks and stressors, constraints and opportunities faced, and the impact of external support and regulations.