DFID-IDRC Global Adaptation Research Program

The Global Adaptation Research Program (now known as the Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia or CARIAA) is a new partnership between IDRC and the UK's Department for International Development. This program of research on adaptation to climate change represents a joint investment of $70 million over seven years in Asia and Africa. The program aims to develop robust evidence to inform policies and practices capable of increasing the resilience of vulnerable populations. Its geographic focus consists of "hot spots" in Africa and Asia: semi-arid zones, mega-deltas and densely populated river basins (including glacier-fed systems). These hot spots combine two factors: significant impacts in the biophysical environment from climate change, and high risks to the livelihood of a large number of poor people with limited capacity to adapt.

Using different socio-economic scenarios and climate warming scenarios, researchers will develop a better understanding of the conditions that make poor people vulnerable to climate change. As well, researchers will identify sustainable adaptation measures that can be promoted within and across the hot spots. Research findings will provide decision-makers at the local, national and regional levels with robust scientific evidence needed to policies and programs capable of increasing the resilience of vulnerable populations to climate change.