1

Inaugural Meeting of the African Adaptation Research Centres (AARC) Initiative

June 18th - 21st, 2011

Accra, Ghana

Prepared by:

Mark Redwood Michele Leone

Edith Adera Mélanie Robertson

Heidi Braun

Climate Change and Water (CCW) program of IDRC

2

Executive Summary This meeting was the first between the seven African Adaptation Research Centres (AARC) initiative projects supported through the Government of Canada’s Fast-Start Climate Finance funding. The meeting served to focus research and capacity building plans and activities more carefully based on peer and expert feedback from a wide range of experts on climate change adaptation in Africa. Specific actions that are going to be taken as a result of this meeting include:

1. An end of project peer-review publication of case studies on economic analysis of adaptation options;

2. Refined communication strategies for each of the projects to specify target audiences and how research will inform policy;

3. The integration of the seven AARC projects into the AfricaAdapt network (www.africa-adapt.net) and the IDRC supported research to policy platform (being led by the Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles - CORAF);

4. The refinement of how projects are measuring adaptation to develop better business cases for climate finance;

5. A communications strategy for AARC partners’ involvement in COP-17 in Durban.

***

Background The AARC initiative supports seven centres of excellence in Africa (see Annex 1) to conduct research and build organizational capacity related to climate change adaptation. Its primary aim is to strengthen the leadership and research capacity of African institutions to deliver timely scientific advice and expert assessment for adaptation investments and policy decisions across the continent. The three-year initiative is led by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Climate Change and Water (CCW) program with CA$10 million funding from Canada’s Fast Start Climate Finance Fund administered by Environment Canada. It builds on the innovative Climate Change Adaptation in Africa (CCAA) program jointly funded by IDRC and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). Workshop objectives The inaugural meeting of the AARC initiative was held in Accra, Ghana from June 18th to 21st, 2011. It was hosted by the University of Ghana’s Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS). The main objectives of the meeting were to (a) familiarize each AARC team with the breadth of projects within the initiative; (b) to discuss teams’ specific plans to link their research to national level policy processes in the countries where they will be working; and (c) for teams to receive peer and expert feedback on their planned research and policy related activities. Participants included representatives from each AARC research team, key policy actors from Benin, Burkina Faso and Kenya, and CCW program staff. Resource people were also invited to provide expert advice on pertinent topics such as the economics of climate change adaptation, climate finance, research to policy linkages and research communications. (See Annex 2 for a full list of workshop participants.) Workshop format The four-day workshop was opened by the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, HE Trudy Kernighan. The agenda (see Annex 3) consisted of presentations by each of the AARC teams and

3

resource people. Plenary discussions and working group sessions provided space for teams to discuss challenges and to provide peer to peer feedback on how to further strengthen their research approach and methodology. Participants also enjoyed a half-day field visit to meet community members from Jamestown and Agbogbloshie in the Accra township of Ga Mashie, where RIPS has been conducting research activities funded by the CCAA program1. Community members shared their observations about changes in the fisheries sector, their perceptions of the impacts of climate change, and shifts in livelihoods activities pursued by community members. Summary of discussion The salient issues that emerged from dynamic discussion and exchange over the four-day workshop are summarized under the following topics:

a. Informing and influencing policy b. Analyzing the costs and benefits of adaptation options c. Communicating research results effectively d. Building the adaptation research network e. Financing adaptation

Figure 1: Workshop participants hear a

community member describe how Accra slums

lack infrastructure and sanitation services,

exposing residents to infectious diseases, flooding

and other extreme weather events that are

expected to be aggravated by climate change.

a. Analyzing the costs and benefits of adaptation options The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that “costs and benefits of climate change will vary widely by location and scale. In the aggregate, however, net effects will tend to be more negative the larger the change in climate” (WG II, IPCC, 2007). To minimize such negative impacts, adaptation options need to be assessed in terms of their economic viability. Most AARC projects contain a cost-benefit analysis component in their proposal which should yield evidence-based case studies that assess local adaptation options. Methods for how to do an effective cost-benefit analysis are continually being tested and improved. AARC teams are faced with two challenges: (1) to improve cost-benefit analysis to incorporate different

1Project No. 105814, Climate Change and Human Health in Accra, Ghana

4

stakeholder needs and to understand the distribution of benefits2; and (2) to validate adaptation options from a financial and social standpoint in order to provide an argument to public and private funders on the feasibility of different adaptation projects. It emerged during the meeting that this component of AARC projects has considerable promise, and it would be worth having experts scrutinize results and to profile the case studies that come out of the research. IDRC will organize a forum in 2012 where AARC projects will present the results of their work on economic analysis for scrutiny by experts in order to produce the highest quality results. The results from this area of the research from the AARC projects will be of considerable importance given how many questions are being asked about the costs of climate change adaptation. b. Communicating research For research to be effective, better techniques and strategies on how to communicate results are required. A communications expert (Liz Carlile, Head of Communications for IIED) noted that the communication of research results should be based on a solid strategy that identifies the form, object, target, and timing of communication. Simple questions can improve the likelihood of research having a tangible impact:

• Who is the project targeting? The discourse should be adapted to the target audience taking into consideration the interests, needs and networks of that group. The content and level of language must also be adapted to suit the audience.

• What is the ultimate objective being pursued? Clarity on the intention of the message should guide the structure of the content and the form of the message.

• When? Teams should consider relevant political issues, decision-making processes, availability of key actors, etc. and determine which stage of the research lends itself best to communication.

• What tools should be employed? Meetings, personal messages, radio, billboards, websites, and social networks are all tools that can be used. The aim is to establish complementarity between the uses of different tools.

Teams were advised to make use of existing communication infrastructures in their institutions or to hire consultants who are knowledgeable about the research activities to plan and manage the communication of their project findings.

While most teams have a communications strategy and staff, the discussion highlighted the importance of clarity in terms of how audiences will be influenced. Direct support from IDRC is planned to modify and refine their communications strategies in the first 3-6 months of the projects. c. Informing and influencing policy Scientifically sound evidence should ideally be used when developing policy; however, bridging research to policy is frequently a considerable challenge. Involving policy and decision-makers from the outset is critical to ensure research is responsive and relevant to policy priorities. So too is being ready with information on demand when a window of opportunity arises. Presentations by Blessings Chinsinga (Chancellor College) and Sean Doolan (DFID) underscored a number of additional elements for research teams to take into consideration. Among these are:

2Here, teams can link with IDRC supported work with IIED, London.

5

• an understanding of the institutional structures and functions in the countries where research is conducted;

• the power relationships between actors and the language used to interact with them; • the non-linear (“chaotic”) nature of the processes leading to policy formulation and

implementation; and • the dynamic and sporadic nature of emerging policy options

All projects are keenly aware of local policy processes and the dynamics and interests between actors. Several (2iE and IDID) are organizations that frequently advise Burkina Faso and Benin respectively on their climate change action. Political “windows of opportunity” (e.g., election dates) should be closely monitored. Each team has identified a network of policy actors with whom they are working. For example, KARI has as a member of their research team, the Kenyan Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, a key player on climate change in Kenya. d. Building the adaptation research network in Africa Existing IDRC supported networks are in place that can help each of the AARC projects reach out beyond their constituencies. A platform for exchange between African research scientists and policy makers on climate change adaptation being developed by the Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles3 (CORAF) and the AfricaAdapt network led by ENDA-Tiers Monde and partners are two important avenues through which project results can be highlighted. AfricaAdapt is a continental network that will further the visibility of AARC projects through: 1) online platforms; 2) CD-ROMs and resource guides; 3) newsletters; 4) meet-and-greet events; 5) knowledge exchange fairs; and 6) innovation funds for creative communications. AfricaAdapt can also organize specific activities such as symposiums; develop thematic resource guides to help AARC projects address specific challenges; develop a database for climate change adaptation activities in Africa; and/or develop a community radio strategy. Each team will be preparing a profile of their project that is, or already has been uploaded on the Africa Adapt website. CORAF, on the other hand, is tasked by IDRC with organizing continental-level workshops targeted at policy and decision makers. CORAF plans to capitalize on the results produced by AARC projects to inform regional economic bodies and continental bodies on climate change adaptation policy matters for Africa. The platform will be launched at COP-17 in Durban, South Africa. Each of the AARC teams will be invited to these policy roundtables by CORAF. Meanwhile, FANRPAN, one of the AARC recipients, is helping manage the Africa Pavilion in Durban for COP-17. e. Financing adaptation Successive COPs and high profile announcements have been made with regard to the growing availability of finance for adaptation. However, it is difficult to understand the different selection criteria and mechanisms to access funding. Chantal Naidoo from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) noted that of all the climate finance funding available, only 13% is currently allocated to adaptation, while the rest is supporting mitigation projects. The business case for adaptation still fails to convince many funders. This is complicated by the disconnect between adaptation research projects and public and private funding

3The English name for CORAF is the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (WECARD).

6

interests (especially the development banks). Teams have been advised that financing plans should indicate the specific use of funds while taking care to maintain flexibility so that the overriding project goal prevails. At the international level, various countries have agreed to allocate funds to support developing nations address climate change. However, there is an expectation that developing countries should be able to demonstrate that appropriate monitoring and accountability measures are in place, to ensure effective use of funds. AARC projects will be able to make a considerable contribution in this area. IDRC will work with the AARC teams, and the DBSA to refine “adaptation metrics” that can help better articulate the costs and benefits of different adaptation options in order to develop a better business case for financing such projects. Next steps This inaugural workshop achieved its objectives of bringing together the AARC research teams to learn more about each other’s research projects, to identify key opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing, and to learn from subject-matter experts and policy-makers with a view to further strengthening projects. Researchers identified specific mechanisms to connect with local or national policy-makers, other AARC researchers, and to link with knowledge sharing agents from CORAF and AfricaAdapt. The teams discussed effective communication strategies and ways to engage with the media, especially in preparation for COP-17. Many teams recognized the need to hire a communication expert who would be an integral part of the team, or to take advantage of a communication expert already on staff. Communications strategies are being prepared by all teams, and program officers will be following up on this item. The CORAF-led research to policy platform and the AfricaAdapt network have integrated the AARC projects into their respective plans for COP-17 in Durban. IDRC has since followed up with a visit to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to discuss joint work between IDRC and the DBSA on developing adaptation business plans for researchers/organizations working on climate change adaptation measures. The CCW team is also following up with the IDRC Environmental Economics initiative on the possibility of organizing a meeting for AARC researchers in year 2 of the initiative focused on peer-review of cost-benefit analysis work.

7

Annex 1: AARC supported research projects

Research title and project number Lead institution Principal Investigator Funding

($CA) Renforcement des connaissances économiques et de la capacité d'adaptation face aux changements climatiques au Bénin (106547)

Initiatives pour un Développement Intégré Durable (IDID)

Said K. Hounkponou,,

823,000

Climate Change Adaptation Research and Capacity Development in Ghana (106548)

Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana

Dr. Samuel N.A. Codjoe

1,399,000

Irrigation et information climatique au Burkina Faso: de la recherche au renforcement des capacités institutionnelles et communautaires (106549)

Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2IE)

Prof. Hamma Yacouba

1,275,700

From Research to Policy: Linking Climate Change Adaptation to Sustainable Agriculture in Southern Africa (106550)

Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)

Dr. Lindiwe Majele Sibanda,

1,499,800

Establishing the Alexandria Research Centre for Adaptation to Climate Change (106551)

Institute for Graduate Studies and Research (IGSR), University of Alexandria

Prof. Mohamed Abdrabo

1,296,200

Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture and Water Resources in the Greater Horn of Africa (106552)

Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Prof. Henry F. Mahoo

1,338,300

Agricultural Productivity and Climate Change in Arid and Semi-Arid Kenya (106664)

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Jane Wairimu Wamuongo

1,123,200

8

Annex 2:

AARC Initiative Inaugural Workshop June 18th – 21st, 2011 List of participants

Name Title Organization

Distinguished Guests

Trudy Kernighan Canadian High Commissioner Canadian High Commission to Ghana Omane Boamah Deputy Minister Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology

AARC Researchers

Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe Team Leader and Project Leader (106548)

Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana

Francis Dodoo Director Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana

Foster Mensah Executive Director Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (CERSGIS) - Ghana

Delali Dovie Policy Guest Water Resources Commission - Ghana

Winifred Nelson Team Member Climate Change - Environmental Protection Agency - Ghana

Abu Mumuni Team Member & Student Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana

Margaret Appiah Team Member & Student Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana

Phidelia Doegah Team Member & Student

Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana

Adriana Biney Student Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana

Kamil Fuseini Student Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana

Chabi Adéyèmi Research Coordinator (106447) Initiatives pour un Développement Intégré Durable (IDID-ONG) - Bénin

Alphonse Sossou Policy Guest Head of Environment Unit

Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Élevage et de la Pêche (MAEP) - Bénin

Hamma Yacouba Project Leader (106549) Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE) - Burkina Faso

Abdoulaye Diarra Research professor in economy and natural resource management

Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE) - Burkina Faso

Léopold Some

Professor Centre de Recherches Environnementales, Agricoles et de Formation (CREAF) de Kamboinsé -Burkina Faso

Sepo Hachigonta Climate Change Coordinator (106550)

Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) -South Africa

Ian Mashingaidze Programme Manager Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) -South Africa

9

Name Title Organization

Freddy Magagula

Director Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives of the Kingdom of Swaziland

Mohamed Abdrabo Project Leader (106551) University of Alexandria - Egypt

Mohamed A. Borhan Policy Guest, Project Manager

Adaptation of the Nile Delta to Climatic Changes Project - Egypt

Jane W. Wamuongo Assistant Director, Natural Resource Management, Project Leader (106664)

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) - Kenya

Michael Okoti Dominion Coordinator for Environment Research

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) - Kenya

Leonard Omullo Policy Guest, Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Environment - Kenya

Prof. Henry F. Mahoo Project Leader (106552) Sokoine University of Agriculture - Tanzania

Imad-eldin A Ali Babiker

Associate Professor Dry Lands Section, Forestry Research Center

Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC) Soba-Khartoum - Sudan

Resource People

Abdulai Jalloh

Programme Manager, Natural Resource Management

Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles (CORAF) - Sénégal

Moussa Na Abou Mamouda Network Coordinator ENDA Énergie - Sénégal

Blessings Chinsinga Associate Professor, Political and Administrative Studies Department

Chancellor College, University of Malawi

Sean Doolan Climate change & environmental governance adviser

Climate change & environmental governance DFID - Ghana

Liqa Raschid-Sally Senior Regional Researcher International Water Management Institute (IWMI) - Ghana

Temesgen Tadesse Deressa Postdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA) - South Africa

Chantal Naidoo Principal Investment Officer Development Bank of Southern Africa

Liz Carlile Director of Communications International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) - UK

Alain Ange Technical Adviser Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) - Ghana/Bénin

Kofi Larweh Animator/Facilitator Ghana Community Radio Network

IDRC Program Staff

Mark Redwood Team Leader International Development Research Center - Canada Michele Leone Senior Program Officer International Development Research Center - Canada Mélanie Robertson Senior Program Officer International Development Research Center - Canada Edith Adera Senior Program Officer International Development Research Center – Kenya

10

Annex 3: AARC Initiative Inaugural Workshop – Agenda

Saturday, June 18

th

Welcome and objectives of the meeting Mark Redwood and Samuel Codjoe

Opening remarks by University of Ghana, RIPS Dr. Samuel Codjoe on behalf of Prof. Francis Dodoo,

Director of RIPS

Presentation of participants All

Remarks by HE Trudy Kernighan, Canadian High

Commissioner to Ghana

Canadian High Commissioner

Remarks by Chief Guest Omane Boamah Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and

Technology

Review of the agenda Michele Leone

Presentation of AARC projects followed by plenary

discussions

AARC researchers

Sunday, June 19th

Welcome and review of the agenda Michele Leone

Session on research to policy, followed by plenary

discussions/Q&A

Liz Carlile “Communicating Research & Policy

Influence”

Blessings Chinsinga

“Getting Started with Policy Engagement and

Influence”

Session on research management, from a policy and

research perspective., followed by plenary

discussions/Q&A

Sean Doolan

“Climate Change Research & Policy linkages in Ghana”

Liqa Raschid-Sally

“Opportunities and challenges in the management of

a multicomponent research project in Africa”

Working groups discussion on intended outcomes 1

(research to policy effectiveness) and 2

(communications of project results)

All, in 4 groups

Report from working groups Rapporteurs

Session on economics of climate change; adaptation

financing, followed by plenary discussions/Q&A

Chantal Naidoo – “Climate Financing from the

Perspective of the Development Bank of Southern

Africa”

Temesgen Tadesse Deressa

“Cost Benefit Analysis of Adaptation Options”

11

Working groups discussions on intended outcome 4

(appreciation of climate finance mechanisms)

All, in 4 groups

Report from working groups Rapporteurs

Monday, June 20th

Field visit to Jamestown and Agbogbloshie All

Tuesday, June 21st

Welcome and review of the agenda Melanie Robertson

Session on potential synergies between AARC projects

and Africa Adapt, FARA, and CORAF

Melanie Robertson – introduction on the CCAA

legacy

Abdulai Jalloh – “The CORAF research to policy

platform”

Allain Ange

FARA (Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa)

Moussa Na Abou Mamouda – “The Africa Adapt

Network”

Working groups discussions on intended outcome 4

(integration of AARC projects and potential synergies

with CORAF/FARA and ENDA-TM initiatives)

All, in 4 groups

Report from working groups

IDRC Program Officer role and guidelines for Technical

Reports

Michele Leone

Next steps Edith Adera

Final reflections Panel of Resource People

Wrap up and thanks Mark Redwood