Climate change is one of the most serious development challenges facing humanity. Many of Africa’s poorest countries, which have contributed least to global warming, are amongst the most vulnerable to climate change. While industrialised countries dedicate resources to protect themselves, the impacts of climate change in Africa continue to be ignored.

Research from the International Institute for Environment and Development, UK, focuses on the anticipated impacts of climate change in three East African Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Climatic changes have already been observed in these countries. The populations of the most at-risk areas are often poor, and their lack of economic resources mean they are poorly prepared to adapt to changes. Yet national governments do not recognise the links between development and climate change, regarding it as a distant problem.

In the coming decades, climate change will continue to alter temperatures and rainfall, contribute to rising sea levels and increase the risk of extreme weather events. Climate change could result in higher food prices and lower domestic revenues, as well as an increasing incidence of pests and diseases. Nearly 80 percent of the region’s population relying on agriculture for income; these people will be most affected.

Added to the stresses of HIV/AIDS, civil war and security that already affect East Africa, climate change will only worsen the region’s poverty. In fact, the research suggests climate change will also have affect conflicts, health and education. As a result, climate change has the potential to undermine or even undo all development efforts in East Africa. Despite this, climate change continues to be treated separately from the wider development agenda. The report identifies:

• The majority of current national strategy responses are overly technical and expensive.
• Many traditional methods for coping with existing climate variability are good examples of how East Africa can prepare for and adapt to climate change.
• Strategies that may benefit pastoral groups include the formation or strengthening of associations to ensure that development planning includes their needs.
• Microcredit may help diversify livelihood options by spreading activities throughout the year and investing in assets that are easier to move in case of disasters.

African countries must formulate climate change adaptation strategies that focus on the needs of poor people. Both governments and civil society have a role to play in educating this. The report suggests they must:

• understand, document and strengthen existing coping strategies rather than impose new, high-tech solutions
• integrate climate change into the development agenda across all sectors
• coordinate efforts and share ideas between governments, the private sector and civil society in promoting adaptation strategies
• consider the likely impacts of climate change in transport and construction schemes to ensure funds are spent efficiently on long-term infrastructure
• strengthen coastal management capacities and malaria control, after first examining why currently control methods are not working
• delegate rights and responsibilities for adaptation to local people, emphasising the role of women.

Source(s):
‘Adapting to Climate Change in East Africa: A Strategic Approach’, International Institute for Environment and Development, Gatekeeper Series No 117, by Victor A Orindi and Laurel A Murray, 2005 Full document.

Funded by: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency; Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; Rockefeller Foundation

id21 Research Highlight: 28 November 2005

Further Information:
Gatekeeper Editor
Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods Programme
International Institute for Environment and Development
3 Endsleigh Street
London WC1H ODD, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7388 2117
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7388 2826
Contact the contributor: gatekeeper@iied.org

International Institute for Environment and Development, UK

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'Insuring against climate change: who will pay for the poorest?'

'Adapting to climate change: developing countries and the global response'

'Meeting greenhouse gas targets and supporting development: a win-win situation?'

'Beyond Kyoto: towards a north-south bargain on climate change'