Climate Change Learning Exchange Workshop

A Learning Exchange on Climate Change took place on the 27th of February 2023 via Zoom between SDI affiliates (Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, and Namibia). Ms. Gabby Hansen from the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) led the meeting with a brief visual introduction to climate change, which is a result of disasters that affect us. She stressed that Climate change affects all of us including both rich and poor, hence poor planning could lead to risks. Food security is one aspect that is affected by climate change. Besides that, the discussion highlighted that climate change has been neglected of which is due to different reasons such as:

• Lack of governance and action
•  Lack of awareness among communities
•  A lot of research is done but it remains on paper.
•  Initiatives are more focused on the problems but not the solution.

Discussions 

·   The main solution/approach to adapting to climate change is Nature-based solutions in conjunction with local knowledge practices and community-based adaptations.

·   Strengthening the relationship between humans and nature.

· The discussion further involved the exchange of climate change development innovations in the respective countries.

·  Zambia Homeless and Poor People’s Federation explained what green spaces which is a locally led adaptation.

·   The green space comprises the use of organic waste to make energy.

·  The Zambian federation also makes use of the youth to create awareness of climate change through the adaptation of climate change stewardship clubs in schools as well as community journalism.

·     Malawi emphasized helping fight climate change through partnerships and good governance.

·         Additionally, the Shack dwellers federation of Namibia together with NHAG uses permaculture which is an innovative framework to improve the living conditions of people in terms of food security.

Key Learning Points

·      There is a link between climate change and development, therefore initiatives should emphasize ways to adapt to the climate with the aim of reducing human suffering at the same time reducing activities that contribute to climate change.

·      Overall, climate change innovations are an opportunity for communities to make a source of income, create clean energy and promote food security these solutions can be discussed in platforms such as planning studios, and they are well incorporated into planning.

·         Initiatives that are the most successful are those that work in close partnership with local authorities.

·      During the process of informal settlement upgrading, we must plan for food security for the houses. The Permaculture initiative has the potential to work well with informal settlement upgrading.

·   Communities should organize and take ownership of initiatives for them to be successful. The Green Spaces initiatives in Zambia are run by the community and they also create clean energy through it. It also provides recreational spaces and spaces for social meetings.    

    It was also clear that there is a need for awareness of climate change issues. Not just in community meetings and planning studios but meetings that target children and the youth so that positive climate change behavior becomes part of their lifestyle and not just occasional practices.

There is also a need to formulate a draft policy/approach to Informal Settlement Upgrading and Climate change.