Case Study

CLACC ( Capacity Strengthening in the least developed countries for adaptation to climate change) are a group of fellows and international experts working on adaptation to climate change for least developed countries. The CLACC aim is to strengthen the capacity of organizations in poor countries and support their initiatives in sustainable development through the network of fellows. CLACC operate in 15 countries in the South, 12 in Africa and 3 in South Asia.

This Background Note explores the influence of social barriers to adaptation using insights drawn from field work in rural subsistence communities in western Nepal, and findings from a related ODI project in rural India. It explores the role of social institutions in determining how individuals adapt to climate stress and shock, and examines how restrictive cultural environments can limit successful adaptation. It concludes by providing recommendations for adaptation policy interventions that seek to recognise, address and overcome social barriers to adaptation.