The aim of this project is to assess the vulnerability of rural livelihood systems to climate change at regional and local levels in Mauritania. Adaptation to climate change is known to be particularly poor in rural areas. To alleviate the problem, the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ) has initiated a project to assess how the capacity to adapt to climate change in rural areas can be improved. The primary objectives are to support key national actors in the design and implementation of adaptation measures identified within national planning processes and to strengthen intra- and inter-sectoral cooperation.
Together with Adelphi, Z_GIS carried out a spatially explicit vulnerability assessment to climate change for specific livelihood sectors. The evaluation integrated a variety of different datasets and established vulnerability indices for present-day and future conditions. The assessment approach built on the recommendations of the ‘The Vulnerability Sourcebook’, which was also contributed to by Z_GIS.
Improving adaptation to climate change in rural areas will be achieved through activities in three areas:
- Integration of adaptation to climate change into national strategy and planning processes
- Design and implementation of site-specific adaptation measures
- Improving capacity building processes related to climate change and rural development
The project focused on the regions of Assaba and Brakna in the Sahel zone of southern Mauretania.
