Climate-Resilient Development in Fragile Contexts

Abstract This chapter explores the need for climate-resilient development in fragile contexts. Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and unpredictability of shocks and stressors, rendering particularly negative impacts upon societies highly dependent upon natural resources. At the same time, fragility is also increasing with violence becoming more multidimensional and complex. By 2030 over 60% of the world’s poor will live in fragile contexts. Development and humanitarian aid policies and programs are challenged to adequately understand and address multiple drivers of risk. Without effective interventions populations in fragile states may backslide into poverty, food insecurity, and conflict, resulting in an aid-dependency cycle. This chapter proposes that an adaptive climate-resilient approach can be used to help build an integrated response to risks. It is now critical to build the evidence base to identify effective measures. This chapter presents a conceptual framework for understanding and addressing climate-resilient development in fragile contexts, supported by a literature review of the current evidence. It also offers two case studies from Uganda and Ethiopia which highlight the challenges and opportunities in bridging humanitarian aid and development through a climate-resilient approach.