Making Climate Adaptation Research Matter

From Knowledge to Policy to Practice: Making Climate Adaptation Research Matter |  Dr Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum

LinkedIn post: https://lnkd.in/p/d7mXiu57

This week in Nairobi, I joined the The Adaptation Research Alliance Knowledge-to-Policy Workshop at Gem Forest Hotel, bringing together emerging adaptation researchers from Africa, Asia and Southern America, development partners, and environmental practitioners. Our conversations focused on a critical question: How does climate adaptation knowledge move from research, through policy, into practices that communities can actually use?

We explored the barriers and enablers along this pathway, including locally led adaptation, knowledge translation, research–policy engagement, and the role of emerging adaptation professionals. One key reflection for me is that producing research is only the beginning. We need to invest not only in generating knowledge, but also in communicating, translating and connecting it to policy and practice so that it eventually benefits the communities.

I am grateful to the Adaptation Research Alliance, African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), and SEI Africa – Stockholm Environment Institute for creating this important space, and to the Gates Foundation and UK FCDO for supporting the workshop.

#ARAKnowledgeToPolicyWorkshop #KnowledgeCatalystGrant #LocallyLedAdaptation 

#AdaptationResearch #ClimateAdaptation #KnowledgeToPolicy #ResearchToImpact

From left to right: Dr Fenet Belay (Ethiopia), Dr Jabulani Nyengere (Malawi), Dr Ruth Wambui Wainaina (Kenya) and Dr Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum (Ghana).

Dr Fenet Belay

LinkedIn post: https://lnkd.in/p/dFa7cWnX

I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) Knowledge-to-Policy Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop brought together researchers, practitioners, development partners, grantees, and Emerging Adaptation Professionals to reflect on an important question: How can adaptation knowledge better inform policy, investment, and practice? I particularly appreciated the discussions on locally led adaptation, the connection between research and decision-making, and the importance of supporting emerging professionals working on climate adaptation. I was also pleased to contribute by supporting and exchanging ideas with Emerging Adaptation Professionals during the workshop. The experience provided a valuable opportunity for peer learning, reflection, and meaningful exchange across different adaptation contexts. Many thanks to The Adaptation Research Alliance SEI – Stockholm Environment InstituteSEI Asia – Stockholm Environment Institute, African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI) and all partners and participants who contributed to creating such a collaborative learning environment.

I also appreciate the engagement and support of development and funding partners connected to this important work, including the Gates FoundationForeign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO UK), UK Foreign, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and UNDP

I look forward to continuing these conversations and contributing to stronger connections between adaptation research, policy, and practice.