Abstract

Cities greatly depend on rural areas for agricultural products, water and raw materials. Climate change, by increasing the frequency of extreme events such as droughts and torrential rains, risks having a negative effect on villages by reducing the supply of agricultural produce and by causing a rural exodus that the cities will be unable to manage. Extreme climate events may also exacerbate urban-rural conflicts by reducing the amount of water available in reservoirs and bore holes. Taking the hypothesis that climate adaptation in the city depends to a great extent on climate adaptation in the country, this project aims to reinforce cooperation between cities and rural areas in order to better cope with climate change and variability. It will do so by facilitating a process of dialogue and coordination between urban and rural stakeholders in three cities with a view to reducing vulnerability with respect to water supply and water management. The process will be supported by the research team through modeling, economic analyses and other knowledge, as well as by technicians and students recruited locally. The idea is to establish a process of participatory evaluation and experimentation that will last beyond the duration of the project.

Recipient Institution(s)