ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an empirical analysis of organisational capacity for climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in the Lake Chilwa Basin. The analysis is based on actions taken, successes realised, challenges experienced and lessons learnt by the Lake Chilwa Basin Climate Change Adaptation Programme in its drive to strengthen the capacity of district and local level organisations to manage natural resources and climate-related disasters using the ecosystem-based approach. Subsequently, the chapter proposes an integrated organisational framework and measures for enhancing capacity in Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Ecosystem-based disaster risk management in the Lake Chilwa Basin. The impacts of climate change and variability are predicted to increase in magnitude and frequency. The impacts exacerbate vulnerability and compromise the resilience of social and ecological systems resulting in cyclic chronic poverty and natural resources plunder and degradation. While government and nongovernmental organisations are tirelessly working with communities to address the root causes and effects of such vulnerability, the efforts are unproductive due to poor coordination and implementation associated with weak organisational capacity especially at the district and sub-district levels. Deliberate efforts should therefore be made to develop and enhance the capacity of district and community-based organisations in effective climate change management approaches that foster integrated planning and collaborative management of ecosystem services and livelihood systems.
