Excerpt

Home to hundreds of millions of people, the semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia are particularly vulnerable to climate-related impacts and risks. These regions already experience harsh climates, adverse environmental change, and a relative paucity of natural resources. People here may be further marginalised by socio-economic challenges, including high levels of poverty and low levels of development. Although many people in these regions already display remarkable resilience, these existing pressures are expected to amplify in the coming decades. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to empower people, local organisations and government to adapt to climate change in a way that minimises their vulnerability and promotes their long-term resilience. Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR) aims to transform climate adaptation policy and practice in ways that promote the long-term well-being of the most vulnerable and those with the least agency.