Ecosystem services in adaptation projects in West Africa
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Date
2017
Authors
Muthee, Kennedy Wahome
Mbow, Cheikh
Macharia, Geoffrey Mugo
Leal-Filho, Walter
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald Publishing Limited
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which adaptation projects have incorporated
ecosystem services, as well as their redesigning options. The projects selected are listed under National
Adaptation Programme of Action in West African region.
Design/methodology/approach – A desktop survey approach was used to review 168 projects from 13
countries across West Africa. The projects were categorized and analyzed according to their adaptation goal,
thematic focus, their implementation duration and level of investment.
Findings – The adaptation initiatives are dominated by actions in the agricultural sector accounting for 32
per cent of the total. Further, they were characterized by small grants consideration with 63 per cent falling
under US$1m budget, short-term implementation duration with 46 per cent having three years’ execution
period. A large portion of projects (55 per cent) mentioned directly one or more ecosystem services, with
provisioning services being referred to in 50 per cent of the cases.
Originality/value – Adaptation projects with ecosystem services components are more sustainable and
beneficial to the community. Hence, more consideration of nature benefits during project design, more
financial consideration and localizing of the projects to realize the global adaptation goal should be
considered.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Climate change, Adaptation, West Africa, Ecosystem services, National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs)