World Resources Projects
Working at the intersection of the environment & human needs
A wind turbine installed in a village in Zimbabwe may help decrease vulnerability, thus improving villagers’ ability to cope with the effects of climate change. A study of the project concluded that "[i]n this case study, small-scale windpower eases water resource stress and contributes to climate change adaptation in two ways: (1) by providing energy for water pumping in otherwise energy-deprived areas, and (2) by easing fuelwood consumption in households whose livelihood opportunities have expanded with electrification."
In 1993, the Community Drought Mitigation project embarked on providing technical support to farmers to improve their crop production while conserving soil and water. A number of demonstrations were conducted.
The Netherlands Climate Change Studies Assistance Programme (NCSSAP) in Yemen will compliment Yemen’s National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA). Whereas the NAPA focuses on physical adaptation measures, the NCCSAP will concentrate more on social-based adaptation to climate change. Both programs are located within the Climate Change Unit of the Environmental Protection Authority, which operates under the newly created Ministry for Water and Environment. The main focus is water management.
The Radio and Internet Project (RANET) implemented in Nakasongola district by World Vision and the Department of Meteorology enhanced collection and dissemination of early warning and climate information at the local level through radio and internet. Using a computer connected to the internet, the project provided timely information on climate and other development information for the people in the district. Through established channels of communication, the project then disseminated climate information to local farming communities in a timely manner.
Sea level rise threatens water supply in coastal Tanzania due to salinization of the water table. Lack of steady water supply forces women to travel long distances for water, which takes time away from other activities. In other cases, families purchase water, which can be expensive. Farm operations are compromised by inavailability of irrigation. Diseases are more prevalent due to water shortages.
This project includes (1) the provision of 200 hand pumps, several large pumped water systems, 11 gravity-fed water systems, several rooftop water harvesting systems in schools and over 600 household water storage cisterns, altogether supplying water to 45,000 people in 28 villages; (2) the introduction of new drought-resistant and less water-thirsty plants, rain-fed cultivation technologies, greenhouses and irrigation systems to help agricultural activities withstand drought; (3) the creation of community-based organizations that can not only address ongoing food and income problems, but al
The pangu method, practiced in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka, can be seen as a case of "serendipitous" autonomous adaptation.
Objectives of this project include: (1) identification of the strengths and weaknesses in current climate prediction tools from a water resource management perspective; (2) assessment of the potential for improvement, or improved use, of climate prediction tools through incorporation of newly-gained local and international knowledge of climate variability; (3) identification of crucial knowledge gaps; (4) demonstration of use of improved climate prediction tools for water resource management and transfer of knowledge; (5) identification of longer-term research, capacity-building and/or educati
The installation of photovolaic solar energy systems in three Senegalese villages led to an increase in local productivity by encouraging people to stay in the villages instead of leaving in search of economic opportunity. Many socio-economic benefits associated with electricity provision were observed, such as improved health services, enhanced livelihood, and educational and cultural opportunities.
An project providing technical advice, organization training, and financial help to farmers can be seen as case of "serendipitous" adaptation. Under the tutelage of ENDA-SYSPRO, farmers set up co-ops dedicated to agro-forestry. Benefits include reduced soil erosion, reduced need for irrigation, improved soil fertility, increased income opportunities (through agriculture), and improved food security (through crops).