Methodology for examining the challenges in mainstreaming climate change adaptation
International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management
ISSN: 1756-8692
Article publication date: 16 May 2016
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to adaptation research by devising a systematic method for examining the challenges in mainstreaming climate change adaptation (CCA) into local land use planning. It argues that mainstreaming operationalization necessitates a methodology that focuses on the challenges in applying the approach and an analytical framework that can examine the mainstreaming process from an institutional perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper applied triangulation by data method (i.e. document review, interview, survey and key informant consultations) and incorporated the scorecard approach in developing the four-stage mixed methodology. It used a modified Institutional Analysis and Development framework as primary analytical guide and applied the case study methodology for structure and focus in relation to data collection activities.
Findings
This paper devised the four-stage mixed methodology and successfully applied it in examining the challenges in mainstreaming CCA into local land use planning in Albay, Philippines. Using the methodology, this paper developed 20 quantitative “mainstreaming indicators” and generated qualitative analyses to assess the state of play of the challenges in local mainstreaming of CCA. Results suggest that mainstreaming challenges exist within a certain spectrum, with one end composed of barriers to, and the other, opportunities for CCA. Furthermore, the challenges occur at varying degrees of severity depending on the conditions that surround them.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is limited to illustrating the process involved in developing the four-stage mixed methodology and presents only a brief discussion of the quantitative and qualitative results.
Practical implications
Although the methodology is at its initial stages of development, it generated results that can help analysts, planners and decision-makers: determine the nature of the challenges in mainstreaming CCA, thereby understand the mainstreaming process; prioritize the mainstreaming challenges to address; and design strategies that will maximize the use of limited resources (i.e. utilizing the opportunities to overcome the existing barriers), among others.
Originality/value
The four-stage mixed methodology was developed to aid analysts, planners and decision-makers determine the state-of-play of the challenges in mainstreaming CCA and make informed decisions in overcoming these challenges. Thus, the mixed method can be a useful tool in advancing the operationalization of the mainstreaming approach.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Financial support of the CSIRO-UQ INRM PhD Scholarship is gratefully acknowledged.
Citation
Cuevas, S.C., Peterson, A., Morrison, T. and Robinson, C. (2016), "Methodology for examining the challenges in mainstreaming climate change adaptation", International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Vol. 8 No. 3, pp. 418-439. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCCSM-07-2015-0091
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited