Assessment of Coastal Governance for Climate Change Adaptation in Kenya. Issue 11 (14th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ojwang, Lenice; Rosendo, Sergio; Celliers, Louis; Obura, David; Muiti, Anastasia; Kamula, James; Mwangi, Maina
• Is Part Of: Earth's future. Volume 5:Issue 11(2017)
• Page Start: 1119
• Page End: 1132
• Publication Date: 2017-11-14
• Subjects: Coastal Adaptation -- Local governance -- Governance baselines -- Kenya -- Counties -- Climate Risks; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2017EF000595
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2328-4277

Abstract

Abstract: The coastline of Kenya already experiences effects of climate change, adding to existing pressures such as urbanization. Integrated coastal management (ICM) is increasingly recognized as a key policy response to deal with the multiple challenges facing coastal zones, including climate change. It can create an enabling governance environment for effective local action on climate change by facilitating a structured approach to dealing with coastal issues. It encompasses the actions of a wide range of actors, including local governments close to people and their activities affected by climate change. Functioning ICM also offers opportunities for reducing risks and building resilience. This article applied a modified capitals approach framework (CAF), consisting of five "capitals, " to assess the status of county government capacity to respond to climate change within the context of coastal governance in three county governments in Kenya. The baseline was defined in terms of governance relating to the implementation of the interrelated policy systems of ICM and coastal climate change adaptation (CCA). The CAF framework provided a systematic approach to building a governance baseline against which to assess the progress of county governments in responding to climate change. It identified gaps in human capacity, financial resource allocation to adaptation and access to climate change information. Furthermore, it showed that having well‐developed institutions, including regulatory frameworks at the national level can facilitate but does not automatically enable adaptation at the county level. Key Points: The capitals assessment framework provided a systematic approach to building a governance baseline for responding to climate change Existence of national frameworks designed explicitly to enable adaptation is a major strength but require complementary local capacities A more comprehensive use of evidence in decision making can help in defining adaptation pathways