Pathways to transformational change in the face of climate impacts: an analytical framework

Abstract

2015): Pathways to transformational change in the face of climate impacts: an analytical framework, Climate and Development,Unprecedented impacts of climate change and climate variability in the twenty-first century are likely to require transformational social, organizational and human responses. Yet, little existing empirical work examines how decisionmakers can facilitate such responses. This paper suggests that in order to assess whether responses to climate risks and threats are transformational, it is necessary to move away from a focus only on outcomes and scale and towards the multiple dimensions of social responses and the processes through which transformational changes are realized. In so doing, the paper seeks to move the discussion on transformational change towards the processes and sustainability of adaptation interventions, and the changes they trigger. Drawing on the literature on transformational change in organizational theory and social-ecological systems, the paper first develops a framework with which to examine and assess development and adaptation interventions. The framework is then applied to eight interventions made between 2005 and 2011 in diverse socioecological settings across Africa. All interventions were underpinned by participatory action research methodologies. Our analysis shows how a focus on change agents, generalizability of field-scale adaptation mechanisms and pathways, and sustainability of outcomes, combined with attention to the scale and scope of change processes, provides information that can inform policy on the kinds of intervention that are likely to support longterm and sustainable responses to climate impacts. Although several of the cases mainly illustrate incremental adaptations, use of the analytical framework pointed towards the wider processes of systems change that might lead to transformative trajectories.

Facing climate variability in sub-Saharan Africa: analysis of climate-smart agriculture opportunities to manage climate-related risks

“…Apart from the projected reduction in rainfall and an increase in frequency of drought for a region that is already largely semiarid, Southern Africa has some of the most infertile and unproductive soils on the continent (Mapfumo et al, 2017). Similar to East Africa, increasing crop productivity through intensification options is a priority for the region.…”

“…This entails ensuring household selfsufficiency in staple maize through production or alternative access mechanisms before communities can invest and/or diversify into other agricultural and non-agricultural livelihood options. Overall, integrated soil, water, nutrient and organic matter management techniques hold potentials for CSA in Southern Africa (Mapfumo et al, 2017). CSA, especially if it targets soil carbon and organic matter, offers a credible entry point for managing these changes in the context of climate change, particularly if interventions can be integrated to address problems at the interface of agricultural productivity, natural resources management and social safety nets.…”

Transformation, adaptation and development: relating concepts to practice

“…The term transformation generally has a positive connotation, but in almost all cases the "warmth" of this term masks a critical issue that the types of fundamental change that it embodies are likely to have complex and multi-faceted implications, and outcomes that could change with time and changing conditions. As well as consideration of depth of change there are many critical questions to be asked around other dimensions of the change process, including how transformations are triggered and sustained, how they spread through space and how they and their implications evolve through time (Rickards and Howden, 2012;Pelling et al, 2015;Mapfumo et al, 2015). Transformation itself must always be open to critique-as Godfrey-Wood and Naess (2016) note, it may not always be simply positive in its effects.…”

“…There are clearly derivable normative discussions to be had around the articulation of categories, on aspects such as depth of change, generality of change, spatial and temporal scale of change and the generation, evolution and permanence of change (Rickards and Howden, 2012;Pelling et al, 2015;Mapfumo et al, 2015). It is important therefore to underline the connections between the typological distinctions and existing critical understandings of the drivers and processes of transformation: to critically assess the options in relation to equity, sustainability, and what is more likely to lead to deeper-seated transformations.…”

Tipping Toward Transformation: Progress, Patterns and Potential for Climate Change Adaptation in the Global South

“…While this is an important stage-setting phase in the pursuit of communities that are fundamentally more resilient to climate change, it is not likely to yield the changes to modes of governance, standard operating procedures, and legislative frameworks that are crucial enablers of a deeper shift (Barton et al 2015;Burch 2010;Mapfumo et al 2015). One of the difficulties in assessing the data set is that these projects address multiple and interrelated vulnerabilities.…”