Successful CBA or LLA Practices in My Community
ne successful Community Based Adaptation practice I have observed in my community in Eastern Rwanda is the use of community led water harvesting and soil conservation practices to cope with increasing droughts and irregular rainfall.
Challenge AddressedThe main challenge this initiative addresses is recurrent drought, water scarcity, and declining agricultural productivity. Rainfall has become more unpredictable, affecting crop yields and household water availability.
Engagement of Local PeopleLocal people were actively involved from the beginning. Community members participated in identifying water stress as a priority problem, selecting suitable sites for rainwater harvesting, and deciding which crops to prioritize. Elders, farmers, women, and youth all contributed their knowledge and labor. Decisions were made through community meetings rather than imposed by external actors.
Outcomes and ImpactsThe initiative has improved access to water for irrigation and domestic use, reduced crop failure, and strengthened food security. Soil erosion has decreased due to terracing and mulching practices. Communities have also developed a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility over the systems.
Traditional and Indigenous PracticesTraditional practices such as mulching, intercropping, terracing on slopes, and seasonal planting based on indigenous weather indicators are still used. In the past, communities observed wind patterns, bird behavior, and cloud formations to predict rainfall. These practices helped farmers adjust planting times and manage risks.
Effectiveness and Current UseThese practices remain effective for managing moderate climate risks and are still widely used, especially by older farmers. However, some are gradually being replaced by modern approaches due to migration, changing lifestyles, and reliance on external inputs. When combined with modern climate information, they remain highly relevant.
Connection to Local Traditions and IdentityThese practices are deeply connected to local values of cooperation, respect for land, and collective responsibility. Community work days and shared labor reflect cultural norms of solidarity and mutual support.
Integration into LLA FrameworkUnder a Locally Led Adaptation framework, these practices can be strengthened by channeling funding directly to communities, supporting local leadership, and combining indigenous knowledge with scientific climate forecasts. This ensures adaptation remains locally relevant while being scalable.
Barriers to SustainabilityKey barriers include limited policy recognition of indigenous knowledge, youth migration to urban areas, generational knowledge loss, and dependence on donor driven solutions that sometimes overlook local practices.
Examples of Integrated Adaptation InitiativesSome irrigation and watershed management projects in Rwanda have successfully integrated traditional terracing and community water sharing systems with modern infrastructure. These initiatives show that blending traditional knowledge with modern support leads to sustainable and inclusive adaptation.
In conclusion, traditional and indigenous practices remain powerful tools for climate adaptation. When respected and integrated through locally led approaches, they can enhance resilience, preserve cultural identity, and ensure long term sustainability.