ACCESS4ALL Group

The Central American region is heavily affected by the El Niño phenomenon, and Costa Rica, as one of the countries in this region, also shares part of its territory within the Central American Dry Corridor. This is highly relevant due to the significant impacts that the phenomenon has on land use, agriculture, forestry, and water management across the country. These sectors are closely linked to the livelihoods of many communities and play an important role in the country's economy and food security.

Rural areas are particularly dependent on agricultural activities as a source of income, making them especially vulnerable to changes in rainfall patterns and prolonged periods of drought. The El Niño phenomenon is not new to the people living in these communities, and many have experienced its effects for generations. Nevertheless, there has not been much improvement in the way these challenges are addressed, as people are often left…

Climate change is becoming increasingly visible in many parts of India, especially through extreme heatwaves and irregular rainfall patterns. In my local context, one major impact I observe is the rising temperature during summers and the changing monsoon cycle. Summers are becoming much hotter than before, with heatwaves lasting longer and affecting daily life, health, and work productivity. At the same time, rainfall has become less predictable — sometimes there are long dry periods followed by sudden heavy rain that causes flooding and waterlogging.

This creates several challenges for communities. In many Indian households, especially in rural and lower-income urban areas, people rely on outdoor work such as farming, construction, street vending, or daily wage labor. Extreme heat makes these jobs dangerous and exhausting. It also increases electricity demand because of fans, coolers, and air conditioners, which can lead to power cuts. Water scarcity becomes another major issue during hotter…

One of the most significant impacts of climate change in Kenya is on agriculture and Food security. Kenya is characterized by low and declining crop production due to the over reliance on rain fed agriculture, aridity, inadequate water supply and degradation of it's natural resources.

Climate change affects food security in aspects such as increased vulnerability, high levels of poverty, poor infrastructure and low levels of human and physical capital. Good insecurity brings forth an increased level of poverty among households. The decline in food production due to unreliable rainfall Leads to less income to the farmers who highly depend on rainfall. This reduced their ability to afford basic needs such as health care, education and improving farming inputs thereby creating a cycle of poverty.

Additionally, social conflicts and insecurities are exacerbated by good insecurity. Areas such as Turkana, Samburu, Laikipia and Bari go experience frequent conflicts between pastoralists community…

One climate change related impact that is increasingly visible in my local context is urban flooding intensified by unplanned urbanisation and changing rainfall patterns. In Yaoundé, heavy rainfall events are becoming more intense and less predictable, often leading to flash floods that affect both central and peripheral neighbourhoods.

This situation creates several challenges for the community. First, it damages infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, and housing, particularly in low-income and informal settlements where construction is not resilient.

Second, it disrupts daily life, including transport, schooling and access to essential services.

There are also public health risks, as stagnant floodwater increases the likelihood of waterborne diseases such as typoid and malaria.

For many households, repeated flooding also leads to economic stress due to loss of property and repair costs.

In response, there have been both formal and informal adaptation efforts. On the government side, there have been initiatives to improve…

In Chimanimani, climate-induced drought carries a unique weight. This is a landscape often defined by its high rainfall and mountains, making the shift toward erratic dry spells particularly disruptive to the community’s way of life and its environment.

1. Observed Impact: The "Shift" in the Season

While Chimanimani is historically more humid than other districts, it is now experiencing a "shortened season." In early 2026, the district faced a pattern of excessive early rains followed by a severe dry spell through late February.

Moisture Stress: Even in fertile areas, crops are suffering from sudden moisture stress, where the heat intensity exceeds the soil's ability to hold water, leading to localized harvest reductions.

2. Specific Challenges in a Mountainous Landscape

Terrain-Specific Erosion: When rains finally arrive after a drought, the hardened, dry soil on Chimanimani’s slopes cannot absorb water quickly. This leads to increased runoff, which causes topsoil erosion and threaten…

A great illustration of Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) and Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) in my area can be found in the farmer-led soil and water conservation efforts in the Sebei sub-region of Eastern Uganda, especially in Bukwo and Kween Districts.

The mountainous communities are facing increasing challenges from climate variability, including unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spells, severe soil erosion, flash floods, landslides, and reduced agricultural productivity. Since the local livelihoods heavily rely on rain-fed subsistence farming, these risks pose a direct threat to food security, income, and overall resilience.

The adaptation initiative has been all about enhancing both traditional and community-driven practices. This includes techniques like terracing, contour farming, mulching, intercropping, agroforestry, using drought-resistant local crops, and safeguarding springs and water catchments. These methods aren’t entirely new; they’re deeply rooted in the indigenous land management systems that the communities have relied on for generations to navigate steep slopes and unpredictable rainfall.

One climate change-induced impact affecting many rural communities in South Africa is the increase in extreme heat and prolonged heatwaves. In recent years, rural areas have been experiencing higher temperatures and longer periods of hot, dry weather. Climate change has intensified these heat conditions, making summers more severe and difficult for communities that already have limited resources.

Challenges for Rural Communities

Extreme heat presents several challenges for people living in rural areas. Many residents rely on agriculture and outdoor labour for their livelihoods, and excessive heat makes it difficult and sometimes dangerous to work during the day. Farmers may struggle with reduced crop yields because high temperatures and drought conditions affect soil moisture and plant growth.

Heat also affects water availability. In many rural areas, communities depend on boreholes, rivers, or rainwater for daily use. During heatwaves and droughts, these water sources may dry up or become unreliable, forcing people to travel…

One clear climate change impact affecting communities in Ghana is coastal flooding and shoreline erosion along the Gulf of Guinea. Areas such as Keta, Ada, and Cape Coast are increasingly losing land due to rising sea levels and stronger tidal waves. According to assessments from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the World Bank, parts of Ghana’s coastline are eroding by up to 2 meters per year.

This creates major challenges for coastal communities. Homes, roads, and fishing facilities are frequently damaged or lost, threatening livelihoods that depend on fishing and coastal trade. Saltwater intrusion also affects farmland and freshwater sources.

In response, the government and communities have implemented measures such as the Keta Sea Defence Project and other coastal protection structures. Communities are also adapting by relocating buildings inland and restoring mangroves, which naturally protect coastlines from erosion. These efforts show how local actions are being used to manage the growing risks…

One major climate change related impact affecting my location, Maiduguri is the increase in weather events, especially flooding and prolonged heat conditions. Although Maiduguri lies in the semi-arid Sahel region, which is naturally dry, climate change has made weather patterns more unpredictable and intense.

In recent years, Maiduguri has experienced:

·         Heavier, short-duration rainfall leading to flash floods

·         Longer and hotter dry seasons

·         Land degradation and desertification creeping southward

These changes are strongly linked to broader climate shifts across the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.

One major climate change risk impacting my community in the Southwest region of Cameroon is irregular heavy rainfall patterns. This leads to floods and landslides. This has a huge impact on farmers, causing losses in production, damage, and limiting access to markets. These floods also cause damage to infrastructure such as schools, health centres, houses, markets and access to roads. Thus, affecting the livelihood of the people in my community, causing them to relocate or temporary lockdown of facilities. Healthwise, there is an increase of standing water which serves as habitat for mosquitoes and damaged water systems increase exposure to waterborne diseases

In response to this climate change challenge, the people in my community are taking measures to expand drainage channels, such as digging and cleaning blocked gutters.

• Changing farming calendars to cope with the shift and length of rainy seasons.

• mixing food and cash crops to spread climate risk.

In Nairobi, the "Green City in the Sun," the climate crisis isn't a distant threat—it is a daily reality that manifests through increasingly erratic and intense rainfall. I see how our traditional "take-make-dispose" economic model is colliding with these changing weather patterns to create a unique urban crisis. The most visible impact of climate change here is the intensification of flash flooding, which is severely exacerbated by our city's struggle with waste management.

When these heavy downpours hit, the sheer volume of water meets a drainage system often choked by plastic and unmanaged debris. This creates a dangerous "urban drowning" effect. For our community members, this presents a devastating cycle: roads become impassable, and in informal settlements, the lack of resilient infrastructure means homes are easily inundated. Beyond the physical damage, there is a profound economic and health toll. Small-scale traders, such as the ubiquitous "Mama Mbogas," can lose their…

The Akaki River in Addis Ababa has long suffered from pollution, riverbank erosion, and uncontrolled urban growth. Industrial waste, household sewage, plastic dumping, and sand extraction weakened the river system over many years. Climate change has made the situation worse. Heavier rains increase flooding and carry even more waste into the river, damaging surrounding land and settlements. For communities living nearby, this has meant health risks and unpleasant living conditions.

In recent years, however, a large-scale river corridor project has begun to focus on revival rather than neglect. Authorities have started clearing several meters from the riverbanks, relocating informal structures, planting vegetation, and creating green buffer zones. The goal is to restore the ecological function of the river, reduce flooding, and improve public spaces. Cleanup campaigns and new riverside developments are also changing how people interact with the water.

The revival effort shows a shift in mindset from exploitation to restoration. While…

Climate Change Impact in My Community: The Unpredictable Rise and Fall of Our Lakes

Hello everyone,

I’m writing from Kampala, Uganda, a city whose heart beats along the northern shores of Lake Victoria—the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. While we don’t face sea-level rise, we are living through something just as disruptive: extreme and unpredictable fluctuations in lake water levels.

This isn’t just about Lake Victoria. Across Uganda, from **Lake Albert in the West** to **Lake Kyoga in the Central-East** and **Lake George in the Southwest**, our lakes are swelling and shrinking in dramatic, damaging cycles. This is our most visible daily reminder of a changing climate.

What’s Happening?

Scientists link this to climate change through two main forces:

The Ouémé River, the main watercourse of Benin, is experiencing a progressive destruction of its banks, mainly due to human activities and the effects of climate change. Deforestation, sand mining, agriculture, and urban expansion weaken the soil and accelerate erosion. This degradation leads to the loss of agricultural land, threatens riverside homes, and reduces fishery resources, directly affecting the livelihoods of local communities.

From an environmental perspective, the destruction of riverbanks disrupts ecosystems, increases water turbidity, and raises the risk of flooding. The river gradually loses its natural ability to protect surrounding territories.

In response, restoring riverside vegetation, regulating human activities, and raising community awareness are essential. Protecting the banks of the Ouémé River means preserving the environment, ensuring food security, and safeguarding the future of riverside populations.

Recently in Rwanda, I have observed the serious impact of drought, especially in areas like Kayonza District, which was strongly affected. Even though I do not live in Kayonza, the situation there reflects what many communities in Rwanda are experiencing. The prolonged dry conditions led to crop failure and food shortages, showing how vulnerable our agriculture is to climate change.

In Kayonza, many farmers who depend on rain-fed agriculture lost crops such as maize and beans because the rains delayed and stopped early. Livestock also suffered due to lack of pasture and water. This resulted in reduced harvests and increased food prices. Seeing this as a Rwandan and as a crop science student makes me realize how serious drought has become in our country.

The drought presents challenges not only to farmers but also to food security, water availability, and household income. Some families struggle to afford enough food, and…

The town and counties around Kapoeta in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, are experiencing some of the most severe agricultural challenges in the country due to climate change. Like much of South Sudan, Kapoeta relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture and pastoralism — systems that are extremely sensitive to environmental change. Gradual shifts in rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, and extreme weather events have together undermined the reliability of traditional farming and livestock-raising practices, with profound consequences for food security in the region.

One of the most visible impacts of climate change in Kapoeta has been erratic rainfall and prolonged drought. Historically, farmers planted sorghum and other staples with the onset of the first rains in March or April. However, these seasonal patterns have become unpredictable, leaving farmers unsure when to plant, and often resulting in crop failures. In some years, drought conditions have scorched fields before crops could mature, dramatically reducing…

In coastal Ghana, climate change is visibly reshaping communities that rely on the sea for their livelihoods and homes. One of the most serious impacts is rising sea levels and coastal erosion, which have already begun to swallow land, homes, and infrastructure in several coastal towns. For example, in Anlo Beach (in the Shama District of the Western Region), strong tidal waves linked to rising sea levels have destroyed hundreds of homes, forcing many residents to relocate or seek temporary shelter with family and friends. This pattern reflects how climate change is directly threatening housing security, local fisheries, and the very existence of coastal settlements (GNA, 2024). 

Coastal communities across Ghana are often at the front lines of this crisis. A World Bank supported coastal resilience project highlighted that around 80 percent of Ghana’s coastline is highly vulnerable to flooding and erosion, with rates of shoreline loss ranging from 4…

Climate Change Impact in My Local Community: Erratic Rainfall, Droughts, and Flooding

In my local community in Malawi, one of the most noticeable climate change impacts is erratic rainfall patterns. In the past, the rainy season was predictable and usually started around November and continued steadily until April. However, in recent years the rains often come late, stop suddenly, or fall in very heavy storms within a short time. Sometimes we experience long dry spells, and other times destructive flooding.

This situation creates serious challenges for community members, especially farmers because agriculture is the main source of food and income. Many households depend on maize production. When rains delay, crops fail to germinate properly. When heavy rains come at once, they wash away seeds, fertilizers, and topsoil. In low-lying areas, floods destroy fields, houses, and roads. As a result, families face food shortages, higher food prices, and reduced incomes. The…

Climate Change Impact in My Local Community: Erratic Rainfall, Droughts, and Flooding

In my local community in Malawi, one of the most noticeable climate change impacts is erratic rainfall patterns. In the past, the rainy season was predictable and usually started around November and continued steadily until April. However, in recent years the rains often come late, stop suddenly, or fall in very heavy storms within a short time. Sometimes we experience long dry spells, and other times destructive flooding.

This situation creates serious challenges for community members, especially farmers because agriculture is the main source of food and income. Many households depend on maize production. When rains delay, crops fail to germinate properly. When heavy rains come at once, they wash away seeds, fertilizers, and topsoil. In low-lying areas, floods destroy fields, houses, and roads. As a result, families face food shortages, higher food prices, and reduced incomes. The…

Bududa District, located on the steep slopes of the Mount Elgon massif in eastern Uganda, is known as one of the country’s most landslide-prone areas. The district’s elevation varies from 1,236 to 4,312 meters above sea level and is marked by steep, undulating terrain, an extreme bimodal rainfall pattern, highly weathered granite rock, and volcanic soils rich in clay. The fertility of these volcanic soils supports a dense population.

These factors contribute to inherently unstable slope conditions, rendering the area susceptible to climate change-related disasters. A significant impact of climate change affecting local communities in the Bududa District is the increased frequency and intensity of landslides triggered by rainfall. The natural characteristics and changes in rainfall patterns, marked by heavier and more prolonged precipitation, have exacerbated slope instability on the steep slopes of Mt. Elgon. These conditions have intensified the occurrence of landslides, which have become more frequent and destructive…

One of the climate change impacts affecting Tana River County is the increasing frequency and intensity of floods along River Tana. Rainfall patterns have changed over the years and instead of steady, predictable rains, the area now experiences long dry spells followed by heavy downpours that cause the river to burst its banks. Sometimes, water released from upstream dams make the situation worse, leaving families with very little time to prepare.

The impact on local communities is significant. Flooding destroys crops and pasture, undermining food security and livelihoods especially for communities that depend on farming and pastoralism. Infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health facilities is often damaged or rendered inaccessible. In addition, there is an increased risk of waterborne diseases after flooding.

The county has launched the Climate Change Action Plan (2023-2027), focusing on resilient infrastructure, water management, and sustainable land practices. Initiatives include the Cluster Village Program for…

The rate at which events, indicating climate change, are happening in Kenya is so alarming. Some notable events include:

1. Change of Seasons

   I come from a background where we do farming not just for the sake of anything but as the main activity that brings food on the table. We normally follow patterns that determines the time for planting, cultivating, harvesting, etc. Over the past few years predicting the weather patterns has become a difficult game. The most recent encounter is when most farmers went at a loss after having their crops withering before harvesting. We cannot clearly tell what season is this!

2. Flooding in cities

   This was a strange activity until one year ago when our mighty city, Nairobi experienced large floods during the rains. Vehicles, hundreds of people died and others were displaced and buildings collapsed. In a similar occurence some buildings collapsed and some property swept away…

In October 2024, the province of Valencia experienced one of the most catastrophic weather events in its history. The DANA brought record-breaking rainfall that devastated dozens of municipalities, serving as a brutal reminder of how global climate phenomena manifest in our own backyards.

This event is a clear example of the extreme weather mentioned in our discussion guidelines. Driven by record-high Mediterranean temperatures, the storm released a year's worth of rain in just a few hours, turning local ravines into destructive torrents and proving that the climate risks we often discuss in the abstract are now a tangible reality for our community.

The challenges were immediate and profound, affecting every pillar of local life. From an infrastructure standpoint, the collapse of bridges and the flooding of the rail network cut off essential lifelines. Beyond the physical damage, the tragedy forced a total halt to the local economy, destroying citrus harvests…

Anyone please suggest how to compete the Quiz of each module as I could not complete the Quiz as it is not taking any correct answer. Please suggest me

Nyeri in central Kenya is increasingly affected by climate change, which disrupts rainfall patterns and raises temperatures. One major impact is flooding, caused by intense rains and poor drainage, which damages homes, roads, and infrastructure. Water scarcity is also rising due to prolonged dry spells, affecting domestic supply and agriculture.

Agriculture, the backbone of Nyeri’s economy, faces reduced crop yields from erratic rainfall, droughts, and heavy downpours, threatening food security and livelihoods. Rising temperatures contribute to heat stress and increase the spread of pests and crop diseases. Additionally, soil erosion worsens with heavy rains, reducing land fertility and affecting farming.

Overall, climate change, combined with urban and land-use pressures, is increasing vulnerability in Nyeri Town. Strengthening adaptation measures such as improved drainage, sustainable land use, and better water management is essential to build resilience.

One climate change impact that I see very clearly around me in India is the increasing severity of heatwaves. Summers have always been hot here, but over the last few years the heat feels different. It starts earlier, lasts longer, and is much harder to cope with. What used to be peak heat for a few weeks in May or June now stretches across several months.

This extreme heat affects daily life in very real ways. People who work outdoors such as construction workers, farmers, street vendors, and delivery workers struggle the most. Working in the afternoon heat has become exhausting and sometimes dangerous. Cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes are more common, especially among older people and children. In cities, nights do not cool down anymore because of concrete buildings and roads, so there is hardly any relief even after sunset. Power cuts during peak summer make…

Nairobi City, my home, is increasingly vulnerable to flooding as a direct and indirect effect of climate change, with poor drainage of stormwater runoff being one of the most visible and damaging outcomes. Climate change has intensified rainfall events in the city, increasing both the frequency and intensity of heavy downpours. According to Abuje et al. (2020), Nairobi experienced a significant rise in average rainfall between 1984 and 2016, combined with rapid urban expansion. This combination has dramatically increased surface runoff, overwhelming existing drainage systems and causing recurrent flooding during rainy seasons. The problem is worsened by extensive urban sprawl, which the study identifies as having increased by over 160% in the same period. Natural surfaces that once absorbed rainwater—such as wetlands, riverbanks, forests, and open soil—have been replaced by impermeable materials like concrete, asphalt, and roofing sheets. As a result, rainwater flows rapidly over surfaces instead of infiltrating the…

The climate change that affect my community is a long dry seasons and windy and dusty periods

Challenges which faces during this time is starvation, lack of enough drinking and farming water and employment among the youth and other groups who depends on such informal employment

Ways on solving problems are planting of trees and food associated crops to curb starvation and water scarcity.

Jakarta has experienced a rainy season for the past two months. Unfortunately, flooding is inevitable during this period of heavy rainfall. While many people are trying to treat it as business as usual, the impact on daily well-being is significant, particularly for low-income communities living in densely populated areas with inadequate water systems. Seasonal diseases, difficulties accessing public transport, and a lack of hygiene facilities have become common problems.

As one of the most populous cities in the world, with over 11.5 million residents (Jakarta Population 2026), Jakarta has experienced increased damage from natural events due to human activities. Although the rainy season brings more water to the soil, intense human activities can have detrimental effects on communities, as excess water often causes damage rather than benefits.

One climate change impact that I clearly see affecting my community in Zambia is drought and unpredictable rainfall. Seasons are no longer reliable. Sometimes the rains come late, stop too early, or fall heavily for a short time and then disappear for weeks. This makes it very difficult for people to plan their farming and daily activities.

The biggest challenge is for families that depend on farming for food and income. When crops fail, especially maize, households struggle with food shortages and higher food prices. Water scarcity has also become a serious issue. In some areas, boreholes dry up, and people have to walk long distances to find water. In towns like Lusaka, low water levels in dams have led to water rationing and power cuts, since most of our electricity comes from hydropower. These power outages affect businesses, schools, health facilities, and everyday life.

In response, people are trying…

One climate change-induced impact that I know is affecting my local community in Nigeria is Extreme Heat. The weather events have become unpredictable. Months that are supposed to be for Harmattan are now dry seasons. Months that should be the rainy season are no longer that. Some states even experienced temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.

These have presented several challenges in the community across various sectors - Agriculture, Health, Environment, etc.

In Agriculture, land surface temperatures are increasing, soil moisture and vegetation cover are reducing, and all these threaten food security.

In Health, heat waves have increased the transmission of diseases. There have been outbreaks of malaria and meningitis, amongst others. Vulnerable populations, like the elderly people, pregnant women, and children, are not left out.

How my community has adapted or responded... I think we are just living and taking it one day at a time. There have been little…

Flooding is a major climate change–induced impact affecting Bamenda, Cameroon, driven by increasingly intense and irregular rainfall patterns. Heavy downpours over short periods overwhelm drainage systems and river channels, resulting in frequent flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas such as Mulang and Below Foncha.

This phenomenon poses significant challenges to the community, including damage to housing and road infrastructure, disruption of transport and economic activities, and displacement of households. Flooding also contaminates water sources, increasing the incidence of waterborne diseases and exacerbating public health risks. For households reliant on small-scale agriculture and informal trade, flood events contribute to income loss and food insecurity.

In response, community members have adopted local adaptation measures such as clearing drainage channels, elevating buildings, and using temporary flood barriers. Local authorities and NGOs have implemented limited drainage rehabilitation and awareness programs on waste management and flood preparedness. However, persistent flooding highlights the need for improved…

One major climate change impact affecting my local community in Ghana, especially in northern areas like Tamale where I was born and raised, is unpredictable rainfall and frequent flooding. In recent years, the rain has become less reliable. We often experience long dry periods, followed by heavy rains that fall within a short time and cause floods.

This has created many challenges for people in the community. Most households depend on rain-fed farming, so irregular rainfall makes it hard to know when to plant. This often leads to poor harvests and food shortages. Flooding also damages homes, especially in low-lying areas where drainage systems are poor or do not exist. During heavy rains, roads become flooded and difficult to use, making it hard for people to get to markets, schools, and health facilities. Floodwater that stays around for long periods also increases the risk of diseases like malaria and other…

Le phénomène de changement climatique est très visible par la montée du niveau de la marin qui conduit a la recul du trait de côte et la régression marrine endommageant par ce fait les riverains

Située sur le littoral du golfe de Guinée, la ville de Lomé, capitale du Togo, est particulièrement exposée aux effets du changement climatique. Son développement rapide, combiné à une forte pression démographique dans les périphéries urbaines comme Agoè-Nyivé, Baguida, Adidogomé ou encore Avépozo, accentue la vulnérabilité de l’ensemble de l’agglomération face aux aléas climatiques.

L’un des impacts les plus visibles est la montée du niveau de la mer et l’érosion côtière. Le long du littoral, notamment à Baguida et Aného, le recul du trait de côte entraîne la destruction d’habitations, de routes et d’infrastructures économiques. À Lomé, certains quartiers côtiers subissent régulièrement des inondations marines lors des fortes marées et des tempêtes, mettant en danger les populations riveraines.

Les inondations pluviales constituent un autre défi majeur. Les pluies intenses, de plus en plus fréquentes et imprévisibles, provoquent l’engorgement des caniveaux et le débordement des bas-fonds urbains. Dans les périphéries mal équipées…

One major climate change induced impact affecting my local community in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the increase in intense rainfall leading to recurrent flooding and landslides, particularly in urban areas such as Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, and along the Congo River basin. These extreme weather events have become more frequent and more destructive over the past years, which is consistent with observed changes in rainfall patterns linked to climate change.

This phenomenon presents several serious challenges for community members and infrastructure. Flooding regularly destroys homes built in flood prone or poorly planned areas, displaces families, and causes loss of lives. In cities like Kinshasa, heavy rains often damage roads, bridges, and drainage systems, disrupting transportation, economic activities, and access to essential services such as hospitals and schools. Landslides in eastern DRC, particularly around Goma and Bukavu, threaten entire neighborhoods built on unstable slopes. Additionally, flooding contaminates water sources, increasing…

One climate change induced impact that is affecting my community is flooding. This is always observed in my country Cameroon every year in major towns especially in regions that are closer to the sea like Limbe and Douala. Flood occurs annually having devastating consequences on farmlands and buildings.

People's livelihood often wiped out in these dangerous floods in the twinkle of an eye.

Efforts though not sufficient are underway as year in year out, the Councils struggle to ensure that buildings follow laid down regulations for proper town planning, drainage systems are aslo being established to control run off and reduce the likelihood of flooding during the rainy season.

One of the worst current climate change impact experienced in my community is drought. This situation has resulted in delay of the start of the farming season,eractic rainfall pattern, unpredictable farming patterns, low farm produce, food insecurity, among others. Families are unable to meet with basic needs as farming is their main source of livelihood and income. They can't afford to cater for their wards, eg school fees payment, payment of hospital bills and the ability to acquire farm inputs and other basic necessities. Many families are not able to undertake building and construction projects because of complete lack or shaortage of water.

Community members are responding to these challenges through the diversification of their livelihoods, such as engaging in galamsy, which furthers the environmental and the climate change challenges that are being faced. In addition, farmers are planning drought tolerant and short maturity life span crops, rain water harvesting,…

We still have time to act since climate change is no longer a distant warning. From rising temperatures (ocean level and land level), volcanic activity, storms and unpredictable rainfall, the planet sends signal. Anthropogenic activity like burning fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial emissions are speeding global warming and posing ecosystemic risk.

Reducing emissions, and protecting the forests can slow the damage.

Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina in September 2024, causing property damage, business closures, and a loss of tourism revenue for the region. (NC State) The destruction of buildings, such as homes and farms, affects economic prosperity as food from farms becomes harder to produce and sell, and families adjust their finances and relocate. Governor Stein of North Carolina has issued a $1 billion relief fund to NGOs committed to aiding affected North Carolinians. (NC Gov)

At a N4CSGA conference I attended, a staff member from a Western North Carolina Community College recollected the external and internal impacts of Helene's actions: families unhoused in tents, a lack of resources, damaged buildings, and the emotional struggles of navigating difficult times, supporting others, and maintaining personal self-care.   

Having both the primary and secondary accounts of Hurricane Helene's impacts was important. It shaped my outlook on natural disasters, recognizing the importance of both…

One major climate change impact affecting my local community in Somalia is recurrent drought and water scarcity, especially in semi-arid and pastoral regions. Rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable rainfall have reduced water availability for households, livestock, and agriculture, which directly threatens food security and livelihoods.

This challenge has led to loss of livestock, reduced crop yields, malnutrition, displacement, and increased competition over scarce water resources, sometimes contributing to social tension. Women and children are particularly affected, as they travel longer distances to fetch water and are more exposed to health risks from unsafe water sources.

Communities have begun adapting through rainwater harvesting, community water storage systems, drought-resistant crops, and livelihood diversification, supported by NGOs and government partners. There are also growing efforts to promote climate education, early warning systems, and sustainable land management practices such as reforestation and soil conservation.

Despite these responses, the scale and frequency of climate shocks…

In the Weija area of Accra, a well- known climate change impact experienced by local communities is increased flooding, particularly during the rainy Geographically, Weija lies downstream of the Weija Dam on the Densu River and it is an environment that historically acted as a natural floodplain or water-locked environment - that is, it naturally absorbed and managed the overruns of water.

However, the inadequate implementation of planning laws has seen unrestrained development in these flood prone and ecologically sensitive areas through massive settlements. The destruction of wetlands, plants and open floodplains to build houses and infrastructures has decreased the number of natural carbon sinks and eradicated surfaces that previously absorb rainfall. This leads to rain that could be used to slowly absorb now being surface runoff that accelerates the magnitude of floods in extreme weather condition- worsening of the frequency of the weather that is on the rise due…

Last month, we tested a simple circular-economy idea: seed pens (paper pens that can be planted after use).

This wasn’t just a “craft activity” — it was a behaviour-design experiment: Can climate action become simple enough to fit into everyday life?

In 18 days: ✅ 20 teenagers learned the process and produced seed pens

✅ 120+ seed pens were made by youth

✅ 200+ households joined conversations on plastic waste and climate-friendly habits

The enhanced greenhouse effect, caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions, is contributing to rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns in Zambia. One climate change-induced impact I have observed in my local community is the increasing unpredictability of rainfall. Seasons are no longer consistent, with prolonged dry spells followed by intense, short periods of heavy rain.

This shift has created specific challenges for community members, especially small-scale farmers who rely on predictable rain patterns for planting maize, vegetables, and other crops. Poor harvests due to drought or flood damage affect food security and household income. Infrastructure is also affected; heavy rains lead to soil erosion, damaged roads, and flooding in low-lying areas, while water scarcity during dry spells creates stress on domestic water supply and livestock.

In response, my community has adopted a combination of local initiatives and…

One major climate change-induced impact affecting my community in southern and middle belt Nigeria is flooding. While floods have always existed, they have become more severe in recent years due to urbanization, oil drilling, mining, and other human activities that disrupt natural water flow.

Challenges Presented

• Loss of homes and property during heavy rains

• Damage to roads, and other infrastructure

• Disruption of farming activities, leading to food insecurity

• Health risks such as waterborne diseases after floods (eg. malaria infection)

In recent years, extreme heat has become one of the most persistent climate change-induced impacts in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Over the past decade, the temperature of the city reached almost 6°C and in the summer of 2025 alone, the city’s heat index rose to 40°C, severely impacting people’s health and livelihood. The rise in temperature and change in rainfall patterns have contributed to this. Moreover, unplanned urban development causing land use changes, poor infrastructure, and loss of green spaces have further worsened the situation.

This issue presents the following challenges in Dhaka city:

• Health Issues: Outdoor workers, elderly people, children, and people with different health issues are vulnerable to extreme heat, which causes heat stroke, exhaustion, and death in many cases. Heat waves have also been found to increase the risk of hospitalization due to respiratory diseases, as well as kidney disease due to dehydration.

  
  

• Reduced productivity: This mainly affects outdoor…

  
  

I work in some parts of the Western region of Ghana, which once grew a lot of food crops and cocoa, more especially. In recent times, unpredictable weather patterns have affected growth of food and cash crops. In 2024, the rains ceased abruptly in early June and did not return. It was dry all through, and I realised that most crops planted did not do so well. Fast forward to 2025, the rains started from May and continued to August. Stopped for a while in August and continued to December(a month which is usually known to be dry and windy).

The effect is a condusive environment where pest and diseases can thrive which affects crop growth and survival. Also already poor roads are getting worse which makes access to road difficult for organisations that want to offer help through training of farmers, provision of support in other forms.

Module one…

I work in some parts of the Western region of Ghana, which once grew a lot of food crops and cocoa, more especially. In recent times, unpredictable weather patterns have affected growth of food and cash crops. In 2024, the rains ceased abruptly in early June and did not return. It was dry all through, and I realised that most crops planted did not do so well. Fast forward to 2025, the rains started from May and continued to August. Stopped for a while in August and continued to December(a month which is usually known to be dry and windy).

The effect is a condusive environment where pest and diseases can thrive which affects crop growth and survival. Also already poor roads are getting worse which makes access to road difficult for organisations that want to offer help through training of farmers, provision of support in other forms.

I live in Harare, Zimbabwe and with the floods which started from Mozambique into Manicaland and wide spreading across the country. In some parts of Harare, the capital city, we have been experiencing flash floods. These flash floods are as a result of the flooding that has exceeded capacity of the existing drainage systems. The flash floods have destroyed critical infrastructure that must provide services for basic human rights such as housing, hospitals, places of worship etc. At present moment, the council is raising awareness amongst the public not to build in wetlands.

My name is Gathoni from Kenya. I practice small-scale farming in Nyandarua County, Kenya. One effect of climate change I have experienced firsthand is crop failure due to extreme weather conditions. The weather has become warmer, causing crops to grow faster than they did 10 years ago. This presents both an advantage and a challenge for farmers. Most farmers in our area still rely on traditional seeds and farming practices. They are unable to control pests and diseases that attack their crops.

In addition, most farmers in Nyandarua are subsistence farmers who rely heavily on rainfall for crop production. As a result, they often experience crop failure due to unpredictable and unreliable rainfall patterns. Furthermore, prolonged rainfall has severely affected road infrastructure in the area. Many roads become impassable, making it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to the market.

To address these challenges, farmers in the area have…

We worked with 5 women and reused 6kg textile waste to create products + climate impact.

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One climate change-induced impact that is increasingly affecting communities in Ghana is intense rainfall and recurrent flooding, particularly in urban areas such as Accra, Kumasi, and parts of the northern regions. Scientific assessments show that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events in West Africa, including Ghana, due to warmer air holding more moisture and altering regional weather patterns. This has made seasonal rains more unpredictable and destructive.

These floods present serious challenges for community members and infrastructure. Homes are frequently damaged or destroyed, especially in low-lying and informal settlements. Flooding disrupts transportation, damages roads and drainage systems, and contaminates water sources, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Livelihoods are also affected, as floods destroy market goods, farmlands, and small businesses, worsening economic vulnerability for already at-risk populations.

Climate change, once confined to academic discussions, has now become a widely debated global issue due to its severe and far-reaching impacts. From rising sea levels threatening island communities to the disappearance of forests, and from devastating floods in Southeast Asian countries to widespread droughts across the African continent, climate change has wreaked havoc worldwide and is expected to intensify further in the coming years. It is evident that local communities across the globe are increasingly becoming victims of climate change.

Located in the southern part of India, Kozhikode experiences a tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 19°C and 37°C. The district is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. Kozhikode receives heavy monsoon rainfall from June to August, followed by a dry season from March to May. In recent years, however, the region’s climate has shown increasingly erratic patterns, which…

In my local community, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria, which is a highland plateau, we usually experience cold Harmattan and cool dry seasons. In recent years, this pattern has changed.

In 2024, the rainy season started normally, but between July and August there was little to no rain. The rains returned in the last days of August and continued through September and October, then stopped. This affected farming, as many crops had poor yields. In 2025 however, the rainy season was normal, but the Harmattan has become warmer than usual.,the weather had still remained hot in November and December. At the beginning of January, there was no cold weather. Only in the past two days have temperatures started to drop and return closer to normal.

These changes show clear signs of climate change in my community, even though conversations about it are still very rare outside places like universities and only…

Living in Rajasthan, we are used to the heat, but the recent shifts in extreme weather have been jarring. It feels like the predictability of our seasons has vanished; we are swinging from record-breaking heatwaves touching 50°C to sudden, intense torrential rains that our arid cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur simply aren't built to handle. The most visible challenge isn't just the temperature itself, but the concrete adaptability gap. Our urban infrastructure, designed for dry conditions, is now frequently overwhelmed by flash floods, bringing traffic to a standstill and damaging the livelihoods of daily wage workers who can’t escape the elements.

​In response, I’ve noticed a fascinating blend of frustration and resilience in our community. While the government is slowly upgrading drainage systems to handle these new peaks, the most effective adaptation is happening at the household level. People are revisiting traditional climatic architecture bringing back Jaali screens for ventilation…

recent climate variability ftom 2020 has resulted to food insecurity .

this means that the farmer are unable to predict times whcih they are supposed to be planting

Chennai faces flooding almost every year due to improper drainage of the runoff from extreme rainfall caused by cyclones. Though extreme rainfall and cyclones are part of the natural climate of the region, in recent decades, the frequency of erratic rainfall has increased significantly. At the same time, the city also faces heatwaves and water scarcity issues. The dense city fabric and lack of sufficient urban greens, exacerbates the situation and causes urban heat islands which affects the quality of life and livability of neighbourhoods within the city. Carefully planned and executed flood and urban heat mitigation are of paramount importance to improve the living conditions for its residents.

A key climate change that affects most communities in Sierra Leone, especially it city Freetown is flooding.

One major climate change induced impact affecting my local community in Nigeria is increased flooding caused by extreme and unpredictable rainfall. Over the past few years, rainfall patterns have become more intense and erratic, leading to frequent floods, especially during the rainy season. Areas that previously experienced manageable seasonal rains now face destructive floods that overwhelm drainage systems and rivers.

Challenges to the Community

Flooding presents several serious challenges to community members and infrastructure:

Damage to homes and property: Many houses, especially in low-lying and poorly planned urban areas, are regularly submerged, leading to loss of property and displacement of families.

Infrastructure breakdown: Roads, bridges, and drainage systems are often damaged, disrupting transportation, economic activities, and access to schools and hospitals.

Agricultural losses: Floods wash away crops and reduce soil fertility, threatening food security and farmers’ livelihoods.