‘Learning by Doing’

This chapter comparatively analyses the adaptation-planning processes that were undertaken in the Bergrivier, Drakenstein and Eden Municipalities in Western Cape Government, South Africa. Given the relative novelty of the adaptation-planning field, these municipalities have largely adopted an experimental ‘learning-by-doing’ approach. The results highlight three key lessons, namely: (1) political will and suitable local leadership are preconditions for success; (2) a collaborative and integrated approach is required and (3) mainstreaming climate change into development planning is of key importance. These results suggest the importance of more collaborative and learning-centred forms of local adaptation governance.