Development interventions and adaptive capacity: the case of Kaseja

Kirsty Wilson, ACCRA-Ethiopia

Million Getnet, Haramaya University

Increasing the use of evidence in policy and practice for risk reduction and

climate change adaptation

What is ACCRA?

ACCRA research What? • What is the impact of climate hazards, variability and change on different

livelihood groups? • What is the impact of existing interventions on adaptive capacity? • What is missing that would maximise the contribution these

interventions could make to adaptation?

How? • New framework characterising Adaptive Capacity

Where?• Gemechis, West Hararghe – PSNP/Livelihoods (CARE)• Chifra, Afar – PSNP, CB DRR (Save the Children UK)• Dabat, Amhara – Market-based agriculture / DRR (Oxfam GB)

Why adaptive capacity? • Climate impacts can not be separated from development

challenges• Climate predictions can not inform policy decisions yet• BUT change will happen and Ethiopia is vulnerableSo Adaptation is • Not a choice between vulnerability reduction or specific

responses BUT • an ongoing change process based on informed decision

making, WHICH MEANS: • Learning and being able to adapt is key!

Kaseja kebele

Impacts of climate changes

Temperature increase

Soils and ponds dry more quicklyDecreased production Shortage of livestock fodder

Shorter rainfall season (Feb, July, August show small decrease)

7-month sorghum season no longer existsIncreased dependence on sweet potato grown under irrigation Increased interest in short-maturing maize

Hazards mentioned by the community show links to wider vulnerability context:– Drought – Water shortage (reduced spring discharge) – Crop, animal and human disease – Remoteness: poor access to markets and education

Climate hazards

CARE’s intervention

• Build communities’ assets– Public works– Early warning and preparedness

• Protect household assets through food and cash transfers

• Diversify and expand household assets through livelihood promotion

• Build capacity for Productive Safety Net implementation

Household Asset Building and Rural Empowerment for Transformation (HIBRET)

HIBRET and Adaptive Capacity• Assets: Project aimed to enhance all 5 capitals

• Institutions: Addressed land mgmt in creating enclosure / opportunities for landless

• Information and knowledge: Various training in new agricultural techniques / formation of early warning committees

• Innovation: Introduced new technologies

• Flexible/forward looking: Project was flexible in responding to drought and supported decentralisation of early warning system

Opportunities for the future• Assets: Evaluate crop choices, incorporate community

assets with shorter benefit timeframes, improve technical support

• Institutions: Improve the equity of institutions for managing key assets – eg irrigation water

• Knowledge and info: Use weather information to inform decision making

• Innovation: Create an enabling environment

• Flexible/Forward Looking: Create greater feedback mechanisms and more informed planning

Thank you! http://community.eldis.org/accra/

kwilson@oxfam.org.uk

milliongeb@gmail.com