Adaptation

The search for an effective response to climate change has led to the identification of two major strategies as highlighted in the Third Assessment Report (TAR) of the IPCC. Mitigation aims at the reduction of GHG emissions or the enhancement of sinks to abate future climate change³. However, due to the inertia of the earth system and the already occurring changes, it is not possible to halt or avoid future climatic and environmental changes completely^3,[1]. Currently, adaptation appears to be the most realistic option in our disposal to address the climate change problem.

As early as 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) identified adaptation as way to cope with the multifarious impacts of climate change[2]^,[3]. Developing adaptation strategies constitutes an integral part of a no-regrets policy and the precautionary approach in sustainable development strategies of the least developed countries (LDCs), which will have to bear the major burden of adverse climate change impacts¹.

The IPCC³ defines adaptation in the context of climate change as:

“adjustment in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects or impacts. This term refers to changes in processes, practices, or structures to moderate or offset potential damages or to take advantage of opportunities associated with changes in climate. It involves adjustments to reduce the vulnerability of communities, regions, or activities to climatic change and variability”.

The main types of adaptation are referred to as anticipatory adaptation taking place before impacts of climate change occur as a proactive approach and as reactive adaptation, which is realized after impacts have been observed³. Planned and public adaptation is a result of deliberate policy decisions and implementation at all governmental levels³ and needs to be undertaken in the context of poverty eradication to ensure long-term effectiveness^1,2,3 and to reduce maladaptations. Vice-versa, adaptation strategies, which reduce the vulnerability of the poor to climate change, are necessarily an integral part of poverty reduction strategies^2,3.

Adaptation measures in agriculture are of utmost importance in LDCs, because of the prominent role of this climate-sensitive sector in many economies especially in Africa^1,3. Adaptation strategies may include capacity building, intensified research and information exchange on adaptation techniques with regard to farming and food security, and strengthening the adaptive capacity of the respective systems^1,3.

The IPCC³ refers specifically to “the use of improved seasonal climate forecasting” and “better soil and water conservation practice, improved pest and weed control, and more use of irrigation…”

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