A survey of community-based adaptation in developing countries

Abstract

Community-based adaptation (CBA) programs are now widely used in developing countries to address climate change impacts in vulnerable communities. There has been considerable growth in academic publications on CBA in peer-reviewed journals. There also exists a plethora of gray literature in the form of reports and evaluative studies prepared by government entities, international development agencies, and non-governmental organizations. This chapter presents a review of the current state of knowledge on CBA. We begin by summarizing a review paper that explores the conceptual clarity of CBA. We then highlight key trends and takeaways from a review paper on the evolution of CBA in academic literature. This is followed by a summary from another review paper on CBA initiatives documented in gray literature. We discuss the barriers and challenges to successful CBA observed in these papers. Finally, we present three case studies from the Philippines, Thailand, and Ethiopia as examples of CBA in practice beyond South Asia. These case studies illustrate the diversity of ways national and international organizations are working with local partners to implement community-based solutions for climate change adaptation across the Global South. The literature review and case studies offer important context and examples for the future development and evolution of CBA in the post-COVID-19 pandemic world.