LINKING LOCAL INSTITUTIONAL COORDINATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR: INSIGHTS FROM MKUSHI DISTRICT, ZAMBIA

Global climate adaptation plans risk resulting to climate maladaptation and shocks when there are
inapt institutions. Adaptation strategies require multidisciplinary approach from all sectors with
various institutions playing vital roles in the implementation of sustainable locally adaptable and
results oriented projects. For decades, various governments, development practitioners and
international organizations have made concerted efforts in tackling large scale climate events.
These stern initiatives form part of Millennium Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
specifically SDG 13 meant to combat climate change. This study sought to Examine the
effectiveness of local climate change institutional coordination to climate change adaptation. The
study used a mixed method approach based on informants’ knowledge and experience to examine
the effectiveness of adaptation strategies in Musofu and Nkumbia areas of Mkushi. The Chi-square
was employed for the analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of the qualitative data.
Examining the effectiveness of institutional climate change coordination for adaptation and
mitigation is one of the key components of achieving net zero or below 2o C which is often
overlooked, hence, the need for this study. Results from this study show that local climate change
institutional coordination for adaptation are not effective and sustainable due to the absence of
NGO support, and lack of financial support to the ministry of agriculture, lack of adaption capacity
and institutional failure to mobilize funds. This study serves as an insight information for relevant
stakeholders on critical areas, which ought to be prioritized to reduce the locals’ vulnerability to
climate hazards. Further research is needed on the influence of funding on local institutions that
co-ordinate climate change adaptation activities. Conclusions and recommendations can assist in
formulating policies to improve CCA.