In Search of Effective Adaptation Strategies for Livelihoods in Africa: Insights from the Literature

This chapter draws on multidisciplinary theory and empirical evidence to develop a framework for guiding livelihood-focused adaptation in Africa. It addresses three questions: Why have adaptation interventions struggled to address climate risks in African communities? What theoretical insights and empirical findings shed light on effective strategies? How might these insights inform the design of more effective interventions? Findings show that adaptation effectiveness is often subjective, shaped by varying contexts, metrics, objectives, and timeframes, although consensus exists on the need for systematic progress measurement aligned with Paris Agreement goals. Critical success factors include the role of formal and informal institutions, alignment with political incentives, attention to spillover effects, and co-production with beneficiaries. Effective strategies must go beyond technocratic analysis to address political dynamics, social differentiation, and capability gaps. Such approaches can enhance agency, promote long-term resilience, and better equip African communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate shocks.