The impact of COVID19 on addressing adaptation knowledge gaps in Namibia

Our names are Kiana, Lynn and Marissa, and we are graduate students at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. In February 2020, we began a research project titled Strengthening adaptation solutions for agricultural development: A study to assess potential for innovation in climate-smart agricultural capabilities in Namibia to help fill two knowledge gaps identified by the Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative (LAKI) related to water resources and agriculture in the Southern Africa region.

 

The LAKI is a joint programme between the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat and the UN Environment through its Global Adaptation Network. This project, focusing on Namibia, is a collaboration between the Nairobi Work Programme (NWP)  at the UNFCCC, The Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) through the Namibia Water Partnership, and the University of Namibia (UNAM). Our research will support the Climate Resilient Agriculture in three of the Vulnerable Extreme north crop growing regions (CRAVE) project.

 

Since Namibia is one of the most arid countries in the world, changes in rainfall patterns and water availability threaten the populations of small-scale farmers who are disproportionately vulnerable to climatic changes. Therefore, together with our partners, we are combining local climate, demographic, agriculture, financial, and social vulnerability data to better understand how climate-smart technological transitions can help local subsistence farmers adapt to climate change.

 

To collect the necessary data, we are utilizing an extensive methodology including a survey and stakeholder interviews, geographic information system (GIS) mapping and statistical analysis, and literature review. Travel to Namibia is not possible due to COVID19, impacting direct collaboration with UNAM faculty and students to develop survey instruments and conduct fieldwork. Instead, we are exploring virtual collaboration tools such as Zoom and WhatsApp to jointly develop the survey materials. As researchers, this is a challenge because it limits our ability to understand local customs and norms to co-produce gender-sensitive, equitable, and culturally appropriate materials and deliverables. It also entails early mornings and late nights working across multiple time zones.

 

Through discussion with all the local partners, we are planning to develop a final report, interactive maps and online case studies, and policy recommendations. In collaboration with our partners, we are going to produce a climate scenario planning toolkit for northeastern Namibia to help local policymakers and farmers plan for the climate-smart technological transition based on local climate scenarios.

 

In the coming weeks, faculty and undergraduate students from UNAM will be entering the field to begin data collection. Adhering to COVID19 regulations, we are working with UNAM to secure additional protective equipment for researchers and participants. The data collected will inform the deliverables listed above so that all products are tailored to the needs of local communities and showcase the closing of adaptation knowledge gaps in Namibia. All products will be completed by April 2021.

 

We are looking forward to sharing our findings with local communities, partners, GWPSA, and UNFCCC stakeholders over the coming month.