Adaptation
On adaptation, ACPC is engaged in initiatives that help build resilience of strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy and water as well as maintaining high quality analytical research activities that support science informed decision making process in key development sectors. The center develops decision support tools for policymakers and adaptive management use, capable of answering “what if” questions, developed for climate sensitive sector application at different levels. This work-stream is structured around three clusters: (i) Cluster 1: institutional strengthening and support; (ii) Cluster 2: Vulnerability, adaptation and Ecosystem; and (iii) Cluster 3: Agriculture, food security. ACPC works with key institutions on the ground as well as seasoned local professionals who assist the center in implementing activities.
Cluster 1: institutional strengthening and support:
a) Development of National Climate Strategy, National Adaptation Plans (NAP), and INDC frameworks: Under the UNFCCC process, guide and support African countries with the preparation of their NAPs but ensuring alignment and coherence with their national development strategies (e.g. Vision 2025), Climate change strategy and their Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC).
b) Institutional strengthening as NIE for Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund: In readiness to access fund from the GCF, and as well to improve current share of fund mobilization by African countries as national implementing entities, it is crucial to enhance current capabilities of countries that already have NIE accreditation, as well as support those that want to become NIE.
Cluster 2: Vulnerability, adaptation and ecosystems;
c) Climate change impacts on food security: Addressing climate change impacts on food security by targeting the key priorities crops identified by the African heads of state and government under the Comprehensive Agricultural Development Program (CAADP). With changes in Africa’s climate, the suitability of crops are also likely to change following their agro-ecological preferences. Thus, using crop suitability mapping, it is possible to identify emerging opportunities for better crop performance and increase productivity. Therefore, the overall goal is to provide a planning tool in support of Africa efforts to utilizing climate knowledge to transform its agricultural production systems in order to feed itself, both now and in the future, and to improve the socioeconomic well-being of its people;
d) Adaptation and climate resilience in urban areas: Urban development in floodplains continue to grow rapidly in many African countries. This is likely to get worse with the rapid urbanization taking place. Building codes are currently not design to deal with frequent and intense floods. Hard surfaces are rapidly replacing permeable green space in the rapidly sprouting urban areas. Most urban cities lack a master drainage plan. River channel blocked. Targeting African Model Cities, as defined by NEPAD. The goal of this study is to identify swift measures of adaptation interventions in enhancing preparedness for the frequent and intense flooding events projected for the continent in order to minimize human casualties and economic losses;
e) Vulnerability index: This activity targets African SIDS whose climate exposure level and frequency is very high. Not only is this useful in tracking changes in their risk profile, but the tool supports the development of insurance schemes;
f) Climate resilient infrastructure: Africa is steadily developing its infrastructure and climate-proofing these investments is critical in optimizing these investments over time, both in terms of usability and reducing the cost of maintaining the infrastructure;
g) Adaptation of ecosystems: The dependency on ecosystems for both economic growth and Africa’s transformation agenda will remain paramount. Therefore, the adaptation of ecosystems is indispensable for the continent, especially in engineering the green economy.