Successful CBA / LLA Practice in My Community
In my community in southwestern Nigeria, one successful example of Community-Based Adaptation is the use of community-led flood management and local drainage maintenance, especially during the rainy season. Flooding has become a recurring challenge due to increased rainfall intensity, poor urban planning, and blocked waterways—an issue that has been worsened by climate change.
Challenge AddressedThe initiative addresses seasonal flooding, which often leads to property damage, disrupted livelihoods, waterborne diseases, and restricted movement within the community.Community Engagement and Decision-MakingLocal people are actively involved in identifying flood-prone areas, deciding when community clean-up exercises should happen, and assigning roles. Community leaders, youth groups, and landlords’ associations coordinate regular drainage clearing and awareness efforts. Decisions are not imposed from outside; they are driven by residents who experience the impacts firsthand. This reflects a strong CBA approach and aligns with LLA principles of local ownership and agency.
Outcomes and ImpactsThe outcomes have been largely positive. Flood incidents have reduced in severity, water flows more freely during heavy rainfall, and there is increased community awareness around waste disposal. Beyond physical outcomes, the initiative has strengthened community cohesion and shared responsibility, which is a key but often overlooked adaptation benefit.Traditional and Indigenous PracticesTraditionally, communities relied on practices such as:Constructing houses with raised foundationsLeaving natural water paths unobstructedUsing communal labor (“aaro” or collective work) for environmental maintenanceThese practices helped communities adapt to heavy rains long before modern drainage systems existed.Relevance to Current Climate RisksWhile these practices remain effective, they are gradually being replaced or neglected due to urbanization, migration, and reliance on government intervention. However, as climate risks intensify, their relevance is becoming clear again—especially where formal infrastructure is weak or absent.
Connection to Local Traditions and IdentityThese practices are deeply connected to values of collective responsibility, mutual support, and respect for the environment. They reflect a community identity where survival and wellbeing are seen as shared responsibilities, not individual ones.Integration into Modern LLA StrategiesUnder an LLA framework, these traditional practices could be strengthened by:1. Providing small, flexible funding directly to community groups2. Combining local knowledge with technical flood risk assessments3. Supporting community leaders and youth as adaptation decision-makers
This would ensure that adaptation remains locally relevant while benefiting from modern tools.
Barriers to SustainabilityKey barriers include policy neglect, weak recognition of local knowledge, generational shifts, and dependence on external or top-down solutions. Young people, in particular, may see traditional practices as outdated unless they are formally recognized and supported.Other Integrated Adaptation ExamplesSome communities have successfully combined traditional farming calendars with modern climate information to guide planting seasons. This integration of indigenous knowledge and scientific data shows that traditional practices are not obsolete—they are adaptable.
ConclusionOverall, this example demonstrates that community-based and locally-led adaptation works best when it builds on what communities already know and value. Empowering local people, rather than sidelining them, remains one of the most effective responses to climate change.