Community-Based Adaptation: Local Practices for Inclusive Climate Resilience

Abstract

This study explores community-based adaptation (CBA) strategies as local solutions to climate change, focusing on how grassroots practices contribute to inclusive climate resilience in vulnerable communities. As climate change intensifies, marginalized populations, particularly in rural and coastal areas, face disproportionate risks. CBA emphasizes the role of local knowledge, traditions, and active community participation in developing climate adaptation strategies that are context-specific and socially inclusive. This paper examines several case studies from Indonesia, where communities have implemented innovative adaptation practices, such as sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and early warning systems, to cope with the impacts of climate disasters. Through a combination of fieldwork, interviews with local stakeholders, and analysis of adaptation projects, the research identifies key factors that enhance or hinder the effectiveness of these practices. Findings suggest that while community-based initiatives can be highly effective in addressing immediate climate risks, they often face challenges related to limited resources, policy support, and integration with national climate strategies. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of inclusivity, particularly for women, indigenous peoples, and other vulnerable groups, in ensuring that adaptation efforts are equitable and sustainable. This research contributes to the understanding of how local, bottom-up approaches can complement top-down climate policies and offers recommendations for fostering more inclusive, community-led climate resilience in the face of an uncertain climate future.