Abstract:
Vertical integration, which creates strategic linkages between national and sub-national levels, is being promoted as important for
climate change adaptation. Decentralisation, which transfers authority and responsibility to lower levels of organisation, serves a
similar purpose and has been in place for a number of decades. Based on four case studies in semi-arid regions in Africa and India,
this paper argues that vertical integration for climate change adaptation should reflect on lessons from decentralisation related to
governing natural resources, particularly in the water sector. The paper focuses on participation and flexibility, two central
components of climate change adaptation, and considers how decentralisation has enhanced or undermined these. The findings
suggest that vertical integration for adaptation will be strengthened if a number of lessons are considered, namely (i) actively seek
equitable representation from marginal and diverse local groups drawing on both formal and informal participation structures, (ii)
assess and address capacity deficits that undermine flexibility and adaptive responses, especially within lower levels of government,
and (iii) use hybrid modes of governance that include government, intermediaries and diverse local actors through both
formal and informal institutions to improve bottom-up engagement.
