Browsing by Author "Keziah, Mayer"
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- ItemExploring community & ecosystem-based adaptation through resilience theory : referencing a Lesotho case(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Keziah, Mayer; de Wit, Martin; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.ENGLISH SUMMARY: The impacts of climate change will be felt by society and the environment, triggering the need for novel adaptation strategies suited to contexts which can be depicted as a social-ecological system (SES). Community and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (CEbA) is potentially a viable solution, however, as it is a new concept, there is a need for more research to determine whether it is a viable adaptation strategy that also enhances social and environmental resilience. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential CEbA has in enhancing livelihood and ecosystem resilience of developing rural communities, as it aims to, in the context of resource dependence and climate change. Seven generic principles for enhancing the resilience of desired ecosystem services (ES) in the face of change and uncertainty has been identified by previous research. Recent academic work has advanced sustainability science by creating context specific metrics for the seven resilience principles, which allows researchers to indirectly measure SES resilience. This research adapted these metrics to fit the Lesotho CEbA case study context. Two previously unconnected fields were integrated and applied as a new method to assess the impacts of CEbA. Six characteristics that defines a project as CEbA were found in this study. The Lesotho Climate Change Adaptation Project was then assessed against context-specific metrics of the seven resilience principles, to indirectly measure the project's impact on SES resilience. From this it was found that CEbA's characteristic methods and principles complement the seven resilience principles and that CEbA has the potential to enhance the resilience of ES as well as the resilience of the communities that are dependent on these ES. This knowledge can be used by change agents to promote the implementation of CEbA in highly resource dependent rural areas. The methods and metrics used in this project can be adapted to different contexts and be used as indicators for assessing CEbA’s impact on resilience. This may help progress sustainability science and interventions aimed at helping communities adapt to climate change and enhance their resilience.