Democratic practices in climate change adaptation in six countries

This report looks at how the Environmental Democracy in Adaptation (EDA) Framework have been implemented in adaptation programmes in six African countries: The Gambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zambia. The methodology combines stakeholder interviews, document review, and community engagement to explore how environmental democracy principles are currently integrated, how delivery might be improved, and how effective the EDA framework is in articulating these principles.

The application of the EDA framework across six countries revealed significant insights into the state of environmental democracy within climate adaptation programmes.

• Although formal mechanisms for stakeholder engagement are often in place, the depth and inclusivity of participation vary
• There is a growing recognition of the need for transparent processes; however, information about adaptation planning, funding allocations, and project outcomes is not always accessible to all relevant stakeholders.
• While many programmes have functioning and well-established mechanisms for redressing specific grievances, accountability, and the monitoring and evaluation needed to support them, they remain poor
• The highest-scoring funder was the World Bank through its International Development Assistance funding.
• Funder regulations and operating structures play a significant role in determining the integration of environmental democracy.