Institutional Capacity and Strategy to Enhance Social- Ecological Adaptation for Climate Change, South Ethiopia

Institutional capacity analyses is likely to define the kind of next step that can be taken to properly plan, implement and report climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions. Although Ethiopia has developed a comprehensive climate resilient green economy strategy, there remained gaps in institutional capacity to implement it accordingly. The objective of the study was to assess the capacity and resources need of key institutions involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in southern Ethiopia. Comprehensive data collection tools were prepared and various indicators were used to determine the capacity and resources need of the selected institutions. Existing level of awareness and practical prioritization of climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions varies from institution to institution in terms of the comprehensiveness of planning, climate knowledge management, investment, and implementation capacity of climate specific initiatives. The investigation revealed that the capacity of key implementing institutions were minimum in this region where activities are implemented. This assessment suggested the need for strengthening institutional capacity in the region so as to realize the resilient green economy strategy.

Keywords: adaptation; climate resilience; institutional capacity; strategies