Successful CBA / LLA Practice in My Community
A successful Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) practice observed in my community focuses on community -led soil erosion control and water conservation in flood- and drought-prone rural areas.
Challenge addressed:
The initiative responds to increasing soil erosion, declining soil fertility ,and water scarcity which have been worsened by irregular rainfall and climate change. These challenges threaten agricultural productivity and household food security.
Local engagement:
Local people were actively involved from the beginning. Community elders, farmers, and youth groups participated in planning, decision -making, and implementation. Traditional leaders guided where interventions were needed based on local experience, while community members contributed labor and local materials.
Outcome and impact:
Reduced soil erosion and improved soil moisture
Increased crop yields and food security
Stronger community ownership and cooperation
Low-cost solutions that communities can maintain independently
Traditional or indigenous practices used:
Terracing and contour farming
Use of grass strips, stones, and tree planting to control erosion
Rainwater harvesting and traditional water-sharing systems
These practices are based on generations of local knowledge and are environmentally friendly.
Relevance to current climate risks:
These practices remain highly effective against today’s climate risks such as floods and droughts. However, they are less widely used now due to migration, changing lifestyles, and reliance on external or modern solutions.
Connection to local traditions and values:
The practices are deeply tied to collective action, respect for land, and intergenerational knowledge sharing, which are core community values.
Integration into LLA frameworks:
Under Locally-Led Adaptation (LLA), these practices can be strengthened by:
Providing local communities with direct access to funding
Supporting capacity building without replacing traditional methods
Combining traditional knowledge with modern climate information
Barriers to sustainability:
Limited policy support
Loss of interest among younger generations
Preference for externally funded, short-term solutions
Conclusion:
This example shows that traditional, community-led practices are effective, low-cost, and sustainable. When integrated into modern adaptation strategies through LLA, they can significantly strengthen climate resilience.