Developing climate-resilient sustainable livelihoods and adaptive co-development in Namibia's Kavango East Region

With the intention to assist and implement policy creation effective for those who are most severely and significantly affected by climate change today, this study aims to explore vulnerability and adaptive capacity to climate change using a livelihoods approach and participatory vulnerability assessment at the community level (Smit & Wandel 2006). Using concepts of climate justice and fairness to justify the link between capabilities unearthed through the examination of vulnerability and adaptive capacity, this study aims to explore the issues that two livelihood groups in northeast Namibia face in the context of climate change and other stressors. Conducting a qualitative assessment with semi-structured interviews, participants were asked to analyze and articulate their own needs and vulnerabilities (Chambers & Conway 1992) in their environment of stressors and community stakeholders were consulted for reinforcement of emergent themes. A new framework specific to the livelihood groups of this study was created to understand vulnerability via access and use of different forms of capital and influence from climate and other external factors to constrain or expand adaptation options. Within each livelihood, the practical application described by Smit and Wandel, was used to “investigate the adaptive capacity and adaptive needs in a particular region or community in order to identify means of implementing adaptation initiatives or enhance[e] adaptive capacity” (2009: 285). Understanding adaptive capacities and gaps that create further vulnerability loops is particularly important at the local scale where adaptation interventions can be implemented for the creation of resilience and conclusions about capability limitations can be taken to higher policy and governance levels to inform change.