Linking training, research and policy advice: capacity building for adaptation to climate change in East Africa

Abstract

It is increasingly acknowledged that adapting to climate change is important in developing countries, where the majority of people depend on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods, and their capacity to adapt to change is low. These people are especially vulnerable to climate change. This vulnerability was addressed together with options to adapt in a context of sustainable development at a two-week training course on climate adaptation. The course was developed and organised by a group of scientists from Wageningen UR with partners in East Africa. In addition to the training course, the team worked on the set-up of a collaborative process with partners from the region and policy advice, all with the support of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. The development of the training course is the focus of this chapter. The course assisted in bringing researchers, policymakers and practitioners together to learn about climate change adaptation in agriculture and natural resources management. The development of a conceptual framework as a joint understanding of climate change adaptation was an important element in the learning process.