Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Assessing the role of local authorities in mitigating the effects of climate change : A case of the City of Windhoek

Auteur : Amunkete, Aina

Université de soutenance  : University of Namibia

Grade : Master of Arts (Development Studies) 2022

Résumé
The African continent is faced with critical climate change challenges which need immediate attention. Local Authorities are mandated to play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment for areas under their jurisdictions. They are closer to the people ; hence they are the immediate implementers of climate change mitigation activities. This study assessed the role of local authorities in mitigating the effects of climate change. Although there are many studies on climate change focusing on mitigation, there is a dearth of literature that addresses the role of local authorities. A qualitative case study was carried out in the City of Windhoek. Person-centred face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection method with an interview guide as the research instrument. Interview questions were structured in a way that captured information for all the objectives formulated. A sample of 22 respondents was purposively selected. Results indicate that the City of Windhoek is doing relatively well in mitigating the effects of climate change. The City of Windhoek is coordinating with other local and international organisations and it has managed to implement various mitigation activities such as water infrastructural development and road improvement amongst others. However, insufficient funds due to budget cuts from the City as well as shortage of experts working at the City, have adversely affected the mitigation efforts relating to climate change. The results also show that the City of Windhoek did not make deliberate budget provision for climate change mitigation due to lack of funds. While this research provides some ground breaking discoveries ; a number of limitations exist. These include the use of a purely qualitative methodological approach with a small sample size. In future, research can be conducted using a quantitative research method and a bigger sample size, allowing for more generalisable outcomes and recommendations.

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