Platform for Exchange between African Research Scientists and Policymakers on Climate Change Adaptation

Given its widespread poverty and unique geography, Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change. But, while there is unequivocal evidence that the climate is changing, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the pace, extent and impact of climate change on different regions, sectors, nations and communities. This uncertainty makes policymaking more complex and magnifies the need for a knowledge and analytical base to help African policymakers address issues related to climate change. This grant will enable the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (WECARD) to develop a mechanism - or platform - to meet the information needs of policymakers by supplying them with timely and credible information on climate change adaptation. The platform will compile and synthesize lessons learned from IDRC's Climate Change Adaptation in Africa (CCAA) program, integrating research findings from other institutions and other IDRC-supported programs (Climate Change and Water). The project will also implement targeted research to address gaps in climate adaptation knowledge, establish a framework for periodic discussion between researchers and policymakers, and contribute to the debate at international meetings on climate change.