The paper reviews the local institutional landscape, information challenges and opportunities for climate change adaptation that institutions within the Mara River Basin can utilize to support communities. At the local level, government, civil society and private sector institutions are at the frontline in harmonizing adaptation practices towards resilience to climate change. Local institutions act as the bridge between the national institutional frameworks and facilitation of local adaptation practices. The socio-political institutional landscape at the local level and its linkages provide institutions with climate change adaptation governance frameworks to enable undertake adaptation. However, information is a major challenge that hampers smooth uptake of adaptation knowledge and skills. This includes scarcity of information; limited access to available information; technical presentation of information; the cost of information; and poor flow of information in institutions. There are information opportunities within the landscape which can enhance institutions’ internalization and application of adaptation practices.

Abstract

This study evaluates the institutional structures and their role in hindering or supporting adaptation to climate change. Structures are frameworks around which coordination, planning, management and logistics takes place and include rules, schemas, and strategies. Non-governmental organizations in the Mara River Basin have the most efficient structures to foster adaptation practices. Faith based organizations have the least efficient structures foster adaptation practices. The role of institutions in shaping adaptation entailed the existence of efficient and accountable systems, entrenched procedures that promote development, decision making, stakeholder confidence and ability to respond to change. The different structures are interlinked and influence each other to enhance greater delivery or hinder the institutions‟ ability to effectively support adaptation practices. The institutions in the Basin have structures related to function, information flow, flexibility and responsiveness to its environment. The existence of strong institutional structures is a prerequisite for sustainable adaptation to climate change.