MAINSTREAMING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
2012
impact of a hazard such as drought, strategies for survival may include the
consumption of alternative less desirable foods, such as forest fruits or roots. This is
a successful strategy if it staves off hunger and avoids the necessity of selling
productive assets such as tools and livestock, which would undermine their long-term
livelihoods.
People may also be able to identify technologies which play a part in reducing
vulnerability or helping them to cope in times of stress. Technologies might include
agricultural technologies such as terracing or the use of particular seed varieties (e.g.
drought resistance); building technologies, e.g. houses which withstand earthquakes;
flood defence walls; or communications technologies, e.g. CB radios for remote
communities to call for help in times of emergency.
SLIDE – Capacity assessment
Which assets are safe or can be quickly recovered after a
hazard? What technologies have been used to make them better
able to cope?
• What are the livelihood characteristics that make some people
more resilient than others?
• What institutions and policies contribute to livelihood
sustainability?
• How will people cope with uncertainty? Will they be able to
experiment and adapt?
• Will they be able to get relevant information and guidance such
as updated weather forecasts?
The livelihoods capacity assessment seeks information on the following issues
Which assets are safe during or can be quickly recovered after a hazard?
Which alternative assets can be drawn on in times of need (think here of
coping strategies – what do they draw on). What technologies have been used
to protect assets, or make them more resilient to its impact? Think as broadly
as possible to all the possible resources that can be drawn upon, including
such things as traditional knowledge, individuals‟ motivation, or social
cohesion.
What are the livelihood characteristics of those people who have some safe
assets, or whose assets are protected from the impact of the hazard and make
them more resilient to its impact? Do they have a wider range of assets than
those who are more vulnerable? Do they grow different types of crops, or grow
A Training Manual on Use of Climate Information and Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment for
Agricultural Extension Staff in Zimbabwe
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