Framework of Milestones and Indicators

for Community-Based Adaptation

Community-based adaptation (CBA) is increasingly recognized as a vital approach to build the capacity of
vulnerable communities and people to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The approach is grounded in
good development practice, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, attention to differences within communities
of impacts and adaptive capacities, integrating rights-based approaches, and addressing gender inequality and
marginalization to ensure that the most vulnerable groups and people are able to adapt.

Development actors see CBA as a useful approach to reduce the climate change vulnerability of their target
populations, who are often living in places that are highly exposed to climate impacts, and who are already
grappling with the challenges of overcoming poverty and achieving social justice. However, they face
challenges in determining how CBA projects differ from typical poverty reduction projects, and are seeking
tools and approaches to aid in developing and implementing CBA projects. Monitoring & evaluation of CBA,
and specifically the identification of appropriate results and indicators to plan and monitor CBA projects, has
been identified as a particular challenge.

CAREs Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) Framework (Table 1) was first presented in the Climate
Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis (CVCA) Handbook.1 The CBA Framework presents a range of enabling
factors which must be in place at different levels in order for effective community-based adaptation to take
place. These enabling factors are linked to four inter-related strategies:

Promotion of climate-resilient livelihoods strategies;

Disaster risk reduction strategies to reduce the impact of hazards on vulnerable households;
Capacity development for local civil society and governmental institutions; and
Advocacy and social mobilization to address the underlying causes of vulnerability.

The Framework of Milestones and Indicators for CBA extends the CBA Framework with a set of proposed
milestones and indicators to help project teams in planning activities and tracking progress towards achieving
the enabling factors. The approach reflects the fact that adaptation is a process the milestones and
indicators are focused on monitoring and evaluating the adaptive capacity of target populations rather than
fixed outcomes. They reflect the resources and conditions that must be in place for people to manage current
climate variability and to adapt to longer term climate change, factoring in the uncertainty associated with
future climate impacts.

As interventions focused at the local level, it is crucial to recognize that CBA involves not only action at the
local level, but also the creation of a wider enabling environment. In order to account for the important
factors for successful CBA across scales, suggested milestones and indicators are therefore provided for
household/individual level (Table 2), local government/community level (Table 3), and national level (Table 4).

It is important to note that the framework is designed to show the wide range of results that adaptation
projects could aim to achieve at household/individual, local government/community and national levels. No
CBA project will be able to achieve all of these results. Rather, the framework is intended to provide a menu
of milestones and indicators to guide project teams in selecting specific results and indicators that are within
the scope and focus of their project.

This version of the Framework of Milestones and Indicators for CBA is a working draft, which will evolve and
improve with testing and feedback from users. We strongly encourage users to provide feedback and
additions to the Framework based on field experience. Please send feedback to:
toolkits@careclimatechange.org.

1
Please go to www.careclimatechange.org/cvca to download the CVCA Handbook.
Table 1: Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) Framework
Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
National - Government is monitoring,
Level analyzing and disseminating current
and future climate information
related to livelihoods
- Climate change is integrated into
relevant sectoral policies
- Climate change is integrated into
poverty reduction strategy and/or
other development policies
2
Local - Local institutions have access to
Government/ climate information
Community - Local plans or policies support
Level climate-resilient livelihoods
- Local government and NGO
extension workers understand
climate risks and are promoting
adaptation strategies
Household/ - People are generating and using
Individual climate information for planning
Level - Households are employing climate-
resilient agricultural practices
- Households have diversified
livelihoods, including non-
agricultural strategies
- People are managing risk by
planning for and investing in the
future
2
NOTE: Local institutions refers to both government and civil society organizations at the local level.
Disaster Risk Reduction
- Government is monitoring,
analyzing and disseminating
disaster risk information
- Government is engaged in
planning and implementing
disaster risk management
(prevention, preparedness,
response and recovery)
- Functional early warning systems
in place
- Government has capacity to
respond to disasters
- Local institutions have access to
disaster risk information
- Local disaster risk management
plans being implemented
- Functional early warning systems
in place
- Local government has capacity to
respond to disasters
- Households have protected
reserves of food and agricultural
inputs
- Households have secure shelter
- Key assets are protected
- People have access to early
warnings for climate hazards
- People have mobility to escape
danger in the event of climate
hazards
2
Capacity Development
- Government has capacity to
monitor, analyze and disseminate
information on current and future
climate risks
- Government has mandate to
integrate climate change into
policies
- National policies are rolled out at
regional and local levels
- Resources are allocated for
implementation of adaptation-
related policies
- Local institutions have capacity to
monitor, analyze and disseminate
information on current and future
climate risks
- Local institutions have capacity
and resources to plan and
implement adaptation activities
- Social and economic safety nets
are available to households
- Financial services are available to
households
- People have knowledge and skills
to employ adaptation strategies
- People have access to seasonal
forecasts and other climate
information
Addressing Underlying Causes of
Vulnerability
- Government recognizes specific
vulnerability of women and marginalized
groups to climate change
- Policy and implementation is focused on
reducing these vulnerabilities
- Civil society is involved in planning and
implementation of adaptation activities
- Local planning processes are
participatory
- Women and marginalized groups have a
voice in local planning processes
- Local policies provide access to and
control over critical livelihoods resources
for all
- Men and women are working together to
address challenges
- Households have control over critical
livelihoods resources
- Women and marginalized groups have
equal access to information, skills and
services
- Women and marginalized groups have
equal rights and access to critical
livelihoods resources
Table 2: Household/Individual Level Milestones and Indicators for CBA3
Enabling Factor Milestones Indicators Definition of Indicators
Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
People are People are aware of future climate - % of people able to describe broad future climate - Local knowledge on climate change is important in
generating and projections for their locality trends catalyzing action on adaptation
using climate - Raising awareness of expected trends in future climate
information for gives people a base of information upon which to plan and
planning analyze risks
People are monitoring key climate - Mechanisms in place to monitor key climate - Monitoring of climate variables is an essential step in
variables variables (e.g. rainfall, temperature, extreme events) managing climate variability and in preparing for longer-
- Observations of climate change are recorded term climate change
- Local observations of climate change are important to
complement scientific information which is often available
only at large scales
People are using climate information - % of people using climate monitoring information to - When available, climate monitoring information and
in planning livelihoods strategies plan their livelihoods strategies (e.g. shifting to early seasonal forecasts can help in planning and analyzing risks
maturing crops) to agriculture and other livelihoods strategies
- % of people using seasonal forecasts to plan their - When households are adopting new livelihoods strategies,
livelihoods strategies (e.g. timing of planting) it indicates that they are in a better position to manage
- % of households adopting new, climate-resilient climate risks
livelihoods strategies based on climate information
Households are Households are producing crops that - % of households growing crops that are resilient to - Crops and varieties that are suited to the changing climate
employing are resilient to climate hazards climate hazards affecting the target area (e.g. must be introduced and adopted in order to reduce risk of
climate-resilient drought-resistant varieties) crop loss
agricultural
Households are practicing - % of households using conservation agriculture - Conservation agriculture practices conserve soil moisture
practices
conservation agriculture practices and increase fertility, thereby increasing resilience to
erratic rainfall

3
NOTE: At this level, indicator data should be disaggregated based on important determinants of vulnerability such as gender, age, poverty level or livelihood group.

3
Households have Households are employing a mix of - % of households with non-agricultural income - Households that are completely dependent on agriculture
diversified agricultural and off-farm livelihoods sources are more vulnerable to climate change, therefore having
livelihoods strategies - % of households with three or more different other, less climate-dependent sources of income can build
strategies, income sources resilience
including non- - Having a range of income sources spreads risk
agricultural
Households have increased income - % of households with increased incomes - Households that are earning income from products
strategies
from sale of products - % increase in income (agricultural and non-agricultural) are in a better position
to save
- In order for people to be less vulnerable, they must have
savings, therefore a significant increase in income is
generally needed
People are People are engaged in savings and - % of people engaged in savings and credit groups - Savings and credit provide people with start up capital for
managing risk by credit groups new livelihoods activities, and encourage saving for the
planning for and future
investing in the
People are putting money into - % of people with savings - If people have savings, it provides a buffer against shocks,
future
savings - % increase in savings per household so savings are an important indicator of resilience
- Increased savings is an indicator that people building up
their asset base
Collective ownership of assets to - % of households participating in shared ownership - Collective ownership of assets such as land, agricultural
reduce costs and risks* of assets tools, etc. reduces up-front investments and spreads risk
People are investing in insurance - % of households with micro-insurance for key assets - Micro-insurance can provide a measure of protection
against loss of crops and other assets
Disaster Risk Reduction
Households have Households have flood/cyclone - % of households storing food and inputs in safe - Reserves are important to minimize the impacts of
protected proof food and input storage storage facilities extreme weather events, but they must be stored in safe
reserves of food facilities - Kgs of food stored places in order to be useful in times of crisis
and agricultural
Households have increased - % increase in production of key crops - Increased production is critical to establishing reserves in
inputs
agricultural production food-insecure areas
Households are saving seeds - % of houses that are saving seeds - Traditional seed saving practices are important to reduce
- # of varieties of seeds saved costs for farmers, to conserve varieties that may be
adapted to climate variability, and to allow farmers to
diversify their crop base

4
Households have Raised houses in flood-prone areas - % of households with raised households - As floods become more frequent, it becomes more cost-
secure shelter effective to raise households
Cyclone shelters exist in areas at risk - % of households with access to a cyclone shelter - In combination with early warning systems, shelters are
of cyclones important in protecting people from cyclones
Houses constructed with storm- and - % of households with cyclone-resistant housing - Improved construction techniques (using local materials
cyclone-resistant building where possible) can reduce impact of storms and cyclones
techniques
Key assets are Livestock have shelter from floods - % of households with livestock sheltered in safe - Loss of livestock due to floods and storms has a major
protected and storms places and/or a safe evacuation point impact on household economic security, so protection of
these assets is important
Reserves of fodder and water for - % of households storing fodder and water for - Related to the above, reserves of fodder and water are
livestock exist livestock important to preserve livestock through times of crisis
- % of water and fodder storage facilities that are
protected from floods and storms
People have People are aware of local disaster - % of community members (vulnerable/non- - In order for a disaster management plan to be effective, it
access to early management plan vulnerable) who are aware of disaster management must be communicated to community stakeholders
warnings for plan - These stakeholders must understand procedures to be
climate hazards - % of community members (vulnerable/non- followed in an emergency situation
vulnerable) who are aware of emergency
procedures
People have radios or other means - % of community members (vulnerable/non- - Early warnings must be able to reach all members of the
of communications vulnerable) who have access to a radio or other form community by some form of communication
of communication to receive early warnings
People have Disaster management plan - % of community members who would require - Community evacuation planning must recognize that
mobility to escape recognizes special needs of people assistance for evacuation who have a plan in place some community members may not have the mobility to
danger in the with reduced mobility escape without assistance and plan accordingly
event of climate
hazards

5
Local Capacity Development
Social safety nets Social protection schemes in place - % of people registered for social protection - Social protection is an important strategy in protecting
are available to schemes* people, particularly the most vulnerable, from increasing
households - % of vulnerable populations receiving social climate hazards
protection benefits

Community disaster fund exists* - Funds available at community level to support - The existence of a community disaster fund can facilitate
disaster risk reduction, response and recovery* risk reduction activities and/or faster and locally-driven
response
Financial services Functional micro-finance institutions - % of community members (vulnerable/non- - Access to financial services has proven important in
are available to exist vulnerable) accessing micro-finance services facilitating adaptation
households - Institutional capacity of micro-finance institutions
Micro-finance institutions provide a - % of micro-finance institutions offering a range of - To increase resilience, people will need access to a range
range of services services of different services including savings, credit, and
- Services offered insurance*
People have People are aware of adaptation - % of target population (vulnerable/non-vulnerable) - People need to know that there are alternatives in order
knowledge and strategies aware of climate-resilient livelihoods strategies to plan for adaptation
skills to employ appropriate to their context
adaptation
People have technical skills to - % of target population trained in technical skills - Some adaptation strategies may require new technical
strategies
implement adaptation strategies - % of target population demonstrating application of skills for implementation
skills - Application of skills demonstrates proficiency
People have Mechanisms exist for sharing - % of communities where seasonal forecasts and - People need information about climate in order to analyze
access to seasonal seasonal forecasts and climate climate information are shared risks and plan accordingly
forecasts and monitoring information - Means of sharing (e.g. radio, community meetings) - A variety of communication means may be needed to
other climate reach a wide population
information
People are aware of how to access - % of target population aware of information sharing - In order for communication to be effective, people must
this information mechanisms be aware of how and when information is shared

6
Addressing Underlying Causes of Vulnerability
Men and women Women are empowered to make - % of women who feel empowered in household - In many contexts, household decision-making is
are working decisions within the household decision-making dominated by men, reducing the ability of women to
together to - % of men who feel it is important to involve women influence the adaptive capacity of their families
address in decision-making
challenges
Workload is shared between men - Time spent by men and women on livelihoods - Womens workload often increases with environmental
and women activities (agriculture, child care, fetching fuel and change and with the need to pursue a range of livelihoods
water, etc.) activities, so sharing the workload becomes increasingly
important
Control of family income and savings - % of women who have independent sources of - Women are empowered by having their own sources of
is shared income income and having control of how it is used
- % of women who have control over the income they - Shared control of family income can lead to increased
make themselves family well-being as men and women tend to prioritize
- % of women who have shared control of family differently
income - Men must recognize the role of women as family decision-
- % of men who feel that family income belongs to makers
both partners
Households have Households have secure land tenure - % of households with secure access to land for - It is difficult for people to invest in sustainable land
control over livelihoods purposes management strategies when they do not have secure
critical livelihoods land tenure
resources
Households have access to common - % of households with secure access to a water - Secure water access is key for household and agricultural
property resources for livelihoods source purposes
purposes - % of households with access to pasture, forests or - Sharing of benefits from sustainable management
other common property resources common property resources can facilitate adaptation

7
Women and Women and marginalized groups - Women and marginalized groups are engaged in - CBOs will only be effective in promoting appropriate
marginalized have access to information community-based organizations community development if women and other
groups have equal - Community information sharing uses appropriate marginalized groups are active participants
access to messaging and means of communication for women - Information must be shared in communities in a way that
information, skills and marginalized groups it is accessible to all
and services
Women and marginalized groups - Literacy rates for men, women, marginalized - Literacy rates can demonstrate inequalities in education
have access to skills - Existence of targeted skills development programs - In a context where women or marginalized groups have
for women and marginalized groups limited access to formal education, specialized programs
- % of women and marginalized groups accessing can facilitate skills development
these programs
Services are targeted to women and - Existence of targeted services for women and - In some contexts, targeted services such as health or
marginalized groups marginalized groups extension services may be required to reach vulnerable
- % of women and marginalized groups accessing populations
these services
Women and Women and marginalized groups - Women and marginalized groups are aware of their - In order for women to claim their rights, they must first be
marginalized have secure access to and control land rights aware of what those rights are, and then empowered to
groups have equal over land - Women and marginalized groups are empowered to claim their rights (e.g. through negotiation with
rights and access claim their rights to land community leaders)
to critical
Women and marginalized groups - Women and marginalized groups are aware of their - In order for women to claim their rights, they must first be
livelihoods
have secure access to and control rights to common property resources aware of what those rights are, and then empowered to
resources
over common property resources - Women and marginalized groups are empowered to claim their rights (e.g. through collective use of land by
claim their rights to common property resources womens groups)

8
Table 3: Local Government/Community Level Milestones and Indicators for CBA
Enabling Factor Milestones Indicators
Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
Local institutions Climate information is accessible at - Mechanisms exist for disseminating climate
have access to the local level information (seasonal forecasts, climate projections,
climate risk analysis, etc.) from national to local level
information - Information is available in accessible formats for
local level users (language, communication methods,
etc.)
- Downscaled climate projections are available
Local plans or Local plans take climate change into - Plan documents incorporate analysis of climate
policies support account change risks
climate-resilient - Planned actions are appropriate in the context of
livelihoods climate change
- Planned actions specifically aim to reduce
vulnerability to climate change
Local policies support adaptation - Policy documents incorporate analysis of climate
change risks
- Policy directions are appropriate in the context of
climate change
- Policy directions specifically aim to reduce
vulnerability to climate change
Definition of Indicators
- In order for local actors to analyze risks and plan
adaptation actions, they need first to have access to
climate information, which is not always available to them
- Creating communication channels to get information from
national to local level is an important aspect
- To be useful, the information must be available at a
relevant scale and communicated appropriately
- The first step in integrating climate change is to analyze
the risks based on available climate data
- Local plans need to be analyzed to ensure that they are
making the maximum contribution to adaptive capacity,
and avoiding increased climate risks
- The next level of integration would be to have plans that
include actions targeted to reducing vulnerability to
climate change
- For policies to support adaptation, they must be
developed based on analysis of risks based on available
climate data
- Policy directions need to be analyzed to ensure that they
are making the maximum contribution to adaptive
capacity, and avoiding increased climate risks
- The next level of integration would be to have policy
directions which are targeted to reducing vulnerability to
climate change

9
Local government Extension workers understand - Extension workers are aware of climate trends - Extension workers interface directly with communities,
and NGO climate risks - Extension workers are able to link climate trends to providing technical support on livelihoods, so it is
extension workers impacts on livelihoods important that these agents are aware of climate trends
understand and how these may impact livelihoods
climate risks and
Extension workers are promoting - Extension workers are aware of appropriate - Awareness of climate trends should then lead to
are promoting
adaptation strategies adaptation strategies for the local context identification and promotion of adaptation strategies by
adaptation
- Extension workers are integrating adaptation extension workers
strategies
strategies in their work at the community level
Disaster Risk Reduction
Local institutions Disaster risk information is - Mechanisms exist for disseminating disaster risk - Disaster risks are often analyzed at national level, with
have access to accessible at the local level information from national to local level inadequate attention to disseminating information that
disaster risk - Information is available in accessible formats for the local level
information local level users (language, communication methods,
etc.)
Local disaster Local disaster management plan in - Documented plan - Given the predicted increase in extreme whether events
management place - Roles and responsibilities of different organizations as a result of climate change, planning for disaster
plans being (government, non-governmental, community-based) management becomes increasingly important
implemented clearly defined, agreed and understood* - This plan must clearly define roles and responsibilities to
- Different organizations understand and agree to facilitate a coordinated approach
their roles* Stakeholders must understand and agree to their defined
roles
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) actions - Local development plans incorporate risk analysis - Local planning must be based on an understanding of
integrated in local development - Local development plans incorporate actions to climate risks in order to reduce vulnerability
plans reduce disaster risks - Resources are often allocated on the basis of local
development plans, so it is important to integrate DRR
actions into these plans

10
Functional early Local early warning system in place
warning systems
in place
Local government and/or
community committees are
monitoring vulnerability
EWS uses appropriate
communication mechanisms
Local government Local contingency plans exist
has capacity to
respond to
disasters
Local government has logistical
capacity to manage emergency
response
- EWS based on sound scientific information, risk
analysis, and holistic vulnerability monitoring*
- Vertical and horizontal communication and
coordination among stakeholders*
- Local communities and civil society included in
planning and with recognized role in EWS*
- Mechanisms in place for vulnerability monitoring
- Regular reports on vulnerability monitoring
- Appropriate vulnerability indicators used
- EWS capable of reaching entire community by using
a variety of communication methods*
- EWS messages are accessible and useful to local
populations*
- Community trust in EWS exists*
- Local governments have undertaken participatory
and scenario-based planning*
- Local government and communities have clear
response plans and procedures*
- Regular training on response for local stakeholders*
- Sufficient number of trained organizational
personnel to carry out response activities*
- Defined and agreed coordination and decision-
making mechanisms between local governments,
non-governmental organizations, and communities*
- Safe evacuation and supply routes exist*
11
- To effectively implement early warnings, identification of
sound triggers is key
- Early warnings are only as successful as the
communication structures which support them
- Response to early warnings occurs primarily by local
stakeholders, therefore their involvement in the
development of systems is important
- The triggers for early warning systems must come from
monitoring of vulnerability
- This monitoring must be regular and communicated to
national and local stakeholders
- The indicators used must be carefully chosen in order to
reflect the reality of vulnerability in the particular context
- In order to reach all members of the community, an EWS
needs to use different methods radio, TV, community
volunteers, etc.
- The EWS will only be effective if the messaging is relevant
to the local context to which it applies
- Contingency plans must be tailored to the different
hazards that may affect a particular country
- The contingency plan must clearly outline the procedures
for response and the roles of different actors
- Response teams must be trained in order to launch an
effective response
- Launching an emergency response requires a large
number of trained personnel
Coordination is key to an effective response, so mechanisms
must be worked out in advance
 Local government has resources to - Emergency facilities available* - Resilient shelters, clinics, etc. will be needed during the
respond to emergencies - Communications infrastructure and mechanisms response phase
exist* - Infrastructure and mechanisms for vertical and horizontal
- Locally owned or available transport sufficient for communication*
emergency needs* - Boats, trucks and other means of transportation that will
- Stores of emergency supplies in place* be needed in the emergency phase
- Relief supplies including food, safe water, medical supplies
and temporary shelters
Local Capacity Development
Local institutions Expertise on climate change is - Local government agencies have climate change - Expertise in local governments is essential to addressing
(govt and non- available locally focal points climate change at the local level
govt) have - Local research institutions and NGOs have climate - Local experts can provide advisory services and are
capacity to change experts grounded in the local context
analyze climate
Local institutions are using - Local government and non-governmental - The use of tools can facilitate holistic analysis of
risks and plan for
vulnerability and risk analysis in institutions are using tools to analyze vulnerability vulnerability, which is not typically incorporated into
appropriate
planning - Vulnerability analysis is integrated into planning planning
actions
- The results of the analysis must then inform the planning
Local institutions are aware of - Local government and non-governmental - To identify appropriate actions on adaptation, institutions
appropriate adaptation strategies institutions are aware of climate trends must understand climate trends and appropriate
- Local government and non-governmental adaptation strategies
institutions are aware of adaptation strategies
Local planning Local planning processes incorporate - Local planning processes specifically mandate - Participation of civil society and communities in local
processes are mechanisms for participation by civil participation of civil society and communities planning is essential to good governance
participatory society organizations and - Quality of participation (from perspective of civil - Mechanisms must allow for participation (vs.
communities society and community representatives) consultation)
Views of civil society and - Civil society and community representatives feel - Real participation means that civil society and
communities are integrated in local that views have been taken up in local plans communities are able to influence decision-making
plans - Local government representatives value inputs from - This requires local government representatives who value
civil society and communities the role of civil society and communities in planning
- Local plans reflect civil society and community - Prioritization may result in civil society and community
priorities priorities being dropped, so its important to analyze plans
to ensure that views are reflected

12
Local institutions Local institutions have increased - # of representatives of local institutions trained in - Capacity development for local actors is a priority to
have capacity and capacity to plan and implement analyzing climate risks and planning appropriate support CBA, including training, knowledge building and
resources to plan adaptation adaptation activities the development and application of tools and approaches
and implement - # of representatives demonstrating knowledge of for adaptation
adaptation climate change vulnerability & adaptation
activities - # of representatives applying tools and approaches
to analyze climate risks and plan adaptation
activities
Resources are allocated for - % of local government budgets allocated for - Capacity is not the only challenge local actors also need
adaptation activities adaptation activities to have resources to implement adaptation activities
- # of local civil society institutions engaged in
implementing adaptation activities
Addressing Underlying Causes of Vulnerability
Local planning Local planning processes involve - Mechanisms in place for community input to local - Transparent and participatory local governance helps to
processes are participation of communities planning ensure that community priorities, including those related
participatory - Communities have access to details of local plans to adaptation, are accounted for in local planning
- Mechanisms in place to hold local representatives
accountable to communities
Local government representatives - Local government representatives value inputs from - Decision-makers must value the contributions of
recognize the importance of communities communities in establishing priorities
participatory governance - Local government representatives prioritize based
on community inputs
Women and Local planning processes incorporate - Local planning processes specifically mandate - Participation of women and marginalized groups in local
marginalized mechanisms to ensure that views of participation of women and marginalized groups planning is essential to good governance
groups have a women and marginalized groups are - Quality of participation (from perspective of women Mechanisms must allow for participation (vs. consultation)
voice in local integrated and marginalized people)
planning
Views of women and marginalized - Women and marginalized people feel that views - Real participation means that women and marginalized
processes
groups are integrated in local plans have been taken up in local plans groups are able to influence decision-making
- Local government representatives value inputs from - This requires local government representatives who value
women and marginalized groups the role of women and marginalized groups in planning
- Local plans reflect priorities of women and - Prioritization may result in priorities being dropped, so its
marginalized groups important to analyze plans to ensure that views are
reflected

13
Local policies Land tenure policies provide secure - Land tenure policies provide clear guidance on - Unclear tenure policies can lead to conflict among land
provide access to access to and control over land tenure users and owners
and control over - Land tenure policies do not discriminate against - People need to understand what their rights are in order
livelihoods women and marginalized groups to ensure security of tenure
resources for all - Discriminatory policies can exacerbate vulnerability
Access to common property - Common property policies provide clear guidance on - Unclear rights to common property resources can lead to
resources is secure rights conflict among users
- Common property policies do not discriminate - People need to understand what their rights are in order
against women and marginalized groups to ensure equitable access
- Discriminatory policies can exacerbate vulnerability

14
Table 3: National Level Milestones and Indicators for CBA
Enabling Factor Milestones Indicators Definition of Indicators
Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
Government is Government is systematically - Meteorological agency is monitoring rainfall and - Ongoing monitoring of climate variables and improvement
monitoring, monitoring and analyzing current temperature trends of future climate projections are critical to effective
analyzing and and future climate information - Climate change focal point agency is engaged in planning and adaptive management
disseminating developing/improving climate projections and - The information must be shared across Government to
current and downscaling ensure that it is used in planning
future climate - Climate information is shared across agencies to
information facilitate planning
related to
Government is disseminating - Climate change focal point or other agency has - Governments have a responsibility to share the
livelihoods
information on current and future responsibility and resources to communicate climate information generated, both with the general public and
climate risks information to the public and to local institutions with local institutions
Climate change is Policies in relevant sectors such as - Policy documents incorporate analysis of climate - The first step in integrating climate change is to analyze the
integrated into agriculture, land management and change risks risks based on available climate data
relevant sectoral water take climate change into - Policy directions are appropriate in the context of - Policy directions need to be analyzed to ensure that they
policies account climate change are making the maximum contribution to adaptive
- Policy directions specifically aim to reduce capacity, and avoiding increased climate risks
vulnerability to climate change - The next level of integration would be to have policy
directions which are targeted to reducing vulnerability to
climate change
Climate change is PRSP/economic development policy - Policy document incorporates analysis of climate - The first step in integrating climate change is to analyze the
integrated into takes climate change into account change risks risks based on available climate data
poverty reduction - Policy directions are appropriate in the context of - Policy directions need to be analyzed to ensure that they
strategy and/or climate change are making the maximum contribution to adaptive
other - Policy directions specifically aim to reduce capacity, and avoiding increased climate risks
development vulnerability to climate change - The next level of integration would be to have policy
policies directions which are targeted to reducing vulnerability to
climate change

15
Disaster Risk Reduction
Government is Government is systematically - Disaster risk management or other agency has - Ongoing monitoring and analysis of disaster risk
monitoring, monitoring and analyzing disaster responsibility to monitor and analyze disaster risk information provides the foundation for effective disaster
analyzing and risk information information for planning risk management planning
disseminating - Disaster risk analysis is informed by climate change - This planning must take available climate change
disaster risk observations and projections information into account
information
Government is disseminating - Disaster risk management or other agency has - Governments have a responsibility to share the
disaster risk information responsibility and resources to communicate information generated, both with the general public and
disaster risk information to the public and to local with local institutions
institutions
Government is National Disaster Management - Documented plan - Given the predicted increase in extreme whether events as
engaged in Policy in place - Roles and responsibilities of different organizations a result of climate change, planning for disaster
planning and (government, UN, non-governmental) clearly management becomes increasingly important
implementing defined - This plan must clearly define roles and responsibilities to
disaster risk - Different organizations understand and agree to facilitate a coordinated approach
management their roles * Stakeholders must understand and agree to their defined
(including roles
prevention,
Disaster Management Policy - Disaster Management Plan focuses on risk reduction Disaster management includes preparedness as well as
preparedness,
incorporates disaster risk reduction as well as response response, therefore policies should also focus on disaster risk
response and
measures reduction measures
recovery)
Disaster Management Policy takes - Policy document includes analysis of climate trends - Climate change has significant implications for disaster
climate change into account - Policy directions are appropriate in the context of management, so analysis of climate trends should form a
climate change basis for planning for disaster management
Planning must then focus on actions which make sense in
light of climate change
Functional early National early warning system in - EWS based on sound scientific information, risk - To effectively implement early warnings, identification of
warning systems place analysis, and holistic vulnerability monitoring sound triggers is key
(EWS) in place - Vertical and horizontal communication and - Early warnings are only as successful as the communication
coordination among stakeholders* structures which support them
- Local government and civil society included in - Response to early warnings occurs primarily by local
planning and with recognized role in EWS* stakeholders, therefore their involvement in the
development

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 Government is monitoring
vulnerability for early warning and
intervention on crises
EWS uses appropriate
communication mechanisms*
Government has Government has contingency plans
capacity to for disaster events
respond to
disasters
Government has logistical capacity
to manage emergency response
Government has resources to
respond to emergencies
- Mechanisms in place for vulnerability monitoring
- Regular reports on vulnerability monitoring
- Appropriate vulnerability indicators used
- EWS uses a variety of communication methods to
reach different stakeholders*
- EWS messaging is tailored to local context*
- Government has undertaken participatory and
scenario-based planning*
- Government has clear response plans and
procedures*
- Regular training on response for national
stakeholders*
- Sufficient number of trained organizational
personnel to carry out response activities*
- Defined and agreed coordination and decision-
making mechanisms between central and local
governments, and between governmental and non-
governmental institutions*
- Emergency facilities available*
- Communications infrastructure and mechanisms
exist*
- Locally owned or available transport sufficient for
emergency needs*
- Stores of emergency supplies in place*
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- The triggers for early warning systems must come from
monitoring of vulnerability
- This monitoring must be regular and communicated to
national and local stakeholders
The indicators used must be carefully chosen in order to
reflect the reality of vulnerability in the particular context
- In order to reach different stakeholders, an EWS needs to
use different methods radio, TV, community volunteers,
etc.
The EWS will only be effective if the messaging is relevant to
the local context to which it applies
- Contingency plans must be tailored to the different hazards
that may affect a particular country
- The contingency plan must clearly outline the procedures
for response and the roles of different actors
- Response teams must be trained in order to launch an
effective response
- Launching an emergency response requires a large number
of trained personnel
Coordination is key to an effective response, so mechanisms
must be worked out in advance
- Resilient shelters, hospitals, etc. will be needed during the
response phase
- Infrastructure and mechanisms for vertical and horizontal
communication*
- Boats, helicopters and other means of transportation that
will be needed in the emergency phase
- Relief supplies including food, safe water, medical supplies
and temporary shelters
Capacity Development
Government has Expertise on climate change is - # of Government agencies with climate change focal - The existence of expertise on climate change, particularly
capacity to available within Government points outside the environment agency, will facilitate integration
monitor, analyze - Level of interaction between focal points and into decision-making
and disseminate regional/local counterparts - Expertise at central level must be shared with
information on regional/local agencies
current and
All relevant departments are - # of cross-sectoral analyses undertaken - Climate change has cross-sectoral implications so it is
future climate
engaged in planning for adaptation - # of inter-agency meetings on climate change important to treat it as a cross-cutting issue
risks
- Coordination among agencies will promote an integrated
approach to adaptation
Government has Government is committed to - Government climate change focal point to the - Mandate of climate change focal points vary across
mandate to integrate climate change into United Nations Framework Convention on Climate governments
integrate climate policies Change (UNFCCC) identified - Ideally, they are mandated to work with other agencies to
change into - Climate change focal point has resources for analysis integrate climate change, and have the resources to do so
policies and planning
- Climate change focal point has mandate to work
with other Government agencies to integrate
climate change into policies
National policies Local administration is aware of - Level of awareness of local administration of - Local governments are generally responsible for planning
and programmes relevant national policies and national policies (e.g. disaster management, water, community development, however these stakeholders may
are rolled out at programmes agriculture, NAPA, etc.) not even be aware of national policy documents
regional and local - Level of participation of local representatives in Local stakeholders must be involved in the development of
levels policy development national policies
Local line agencies are aware of - Level of awareness of local line agencies of national - Implementation of policies is often undertaken by local
relevant national policies and policies (e.g. disaster management, water, government, however these stakeholders may not even be
programmes agriculture, NAPA, etc.) aware of national policy documents
- Level of participation of local representatives in - Local stakeholders must be involved in the development of
policy development national policies
Central government is actively - Degree of communication between central - Good communication between central governments and
engaging regional and local government and regional/local government regional/local governments is essential for good
counterparts - Mechanisms exist for exchange of information governance
- Two-way flow of information is necessary for transparency
and accountability

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Resources are Resources are allocated by - % of national budget allocated for adaptation - The scale of needs for adaptation will require governments
allocated for government to implement activities to allocate resources within existing budgets and to seek
implementation adaptation activities - Amount of international adaptation funding new sources of funding
of adaptation- received by Government
related policies
Addressing Underlying Causes of Vulnerability
Government Policy and planning documents - # and type of policy and planning documents which - An equitable approach to adaptation requires analysis of
recognizes incorporate analysis of vulnerability incorporate vulnerability analysis differential vulnerability among genders and social groups
specific of women and marginalized groups - Quality of analysis - The quality of the analysis is important to lead
vulnerability of policymakers to appropriate actions
women and
marginalized
groups to climate
change
Policy and Policies and programmes - # and type of policy and planning documents which - Ideally the analysis will lead to the identification of actions
implementation is incorporate actions which address incorporate actions which address specific which address specific vulnerability of women and other
focused on specific vulnerability of women and vulnerability of women and other marginalized marginalized groups
reducing these other marginalized groups groups - Some actions will have more impact in reaching vulnerable
vulnerabilities - Quality of actions identified groups
Civil society is Structures for decision-making on - Adaptation planning process specifically mandates - Civil society participation is important in ensuring
involved in adaptation incorporate mechanisms participation of civil society transparency and that the interests of vulnerable people
planning and for civil society participation - Quality of participation (from perspective of civil are represented
implementation society representatives) - Mechanisms must allow for participation and influence (vs.
of adaptation consultation)
activities
Views of civil society are integrated - Civil society representatives feel that views have - Real participation means that civil society are able to
in decisions been taken up in adaptation planning influence decision-making
- Policymakers value civil society inputs - This requires policymakers who value the role of civil
- Policy documents reflect civil society priorities society in policy development
- Prioritization may result in civil society priorities being
dropped, so important to analyze policy directions to
ensure priorities are reflected

*Adapted from: Twigg, J. (2007). Characteristics of a Disaster-Resilient Community: A Guidance Note (Version 1). Developed for the DfID Disaster Risk Reduction Inter-Agency
Coordination Group.

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