By: Florence Onyango and Edna Kowenje
The Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN) actively participated in the Step Change webinar series held on August 1, 2024, at 3:04 p.m. EAT. This critical platform, co-hosted by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, brought together leading voices in climate adaptation to discuss the crucial role of intermediaries in empowering locally-led adaptation (LLA) initiatives across Africa.
The opening webinar, titled “Grant-makers, Facilitators, and Communicators: Exploring the Many Roles of Intermediaries in Locally Led Adaptation,” featured a distinguished panel of experts including Dr. Joanes Atela, Executive Director of ARIN. Dr. Atela’s presentation explored the findings of the Locally Led Adaptation Metrics for Africa (LAMA) project, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by ARIN.
Dr. Atela shed light on a critical challenge hindering effective LLA implementation – the mismatch between indicators used at the local level and those incorporated into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). This discrepancy creates a disconnect between grassroots adaptation efforts and national strategies, hindering progress towards climate resilience. Dr. Atela emphasized the need for a more comprehensive set of indicators that incorporate not only social vulnerabilities, a current focus but also crucial investment-related aspects. This will ensure a holistic approach to adaptation planning that considers both the social and financial needs of communities on the frontlines of climate change.
Dr. Atela also introduced the LAMA platform, a game-changer in the field of LLA. This innovative platform serves as a central hub for consolidating and learning from a vast pool of locally-led adaptation indicators across Africa. It facilitates the exchange of experiences, tools, and best practices among stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Moreover, it aims at developing locally led and inclusive frameworks and data to inform critical global initiatives like the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and the Global Stocktake (GST). The LAMA platform’s focus on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and framework development empowers local communities to take ownership of their adaptation efforts. By equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and collaborative tools, the LAMA platform paves the way for the development of effective and sustainable adaptation strategies.
The webinar sparked a thought-provoking discussion on the multifaceted roles of intermediary organizations in LLA. The distinguished panel, including Guy Rudolph from the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), Susan Nanduddu from the African Center for Trade and Development (ACTADE), and Nicholas Ozor from Africa Technology and Policy Studies (ATPS), shared their experiences and the challenges they face in supporting local leadership. A key takeaway from the discussion was the recognition of intermediaries’ potential to act as both enablers and barriers to LLA. Their ability to navigate the complex landscape of climate finance and local needs is critical to ensuring that resources reach the communities that need them most, while also fostering trust and building capacity for effective adaptation action.
The Step Change program, a five-year partnership between IDRC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, underscores the international community’s growing recognition of the importance of LLA. By investing in climate knowledge brokers like ARIN, Step Change empowers local communities to take the lead in building resilience against climate change.
