Institutional factors affecting the execution of projects by local institutions: implications for community-based climate change adaptation in Nigeria’s Niger-delta region.

Abstract

The study sought to contribute to knowledge on local institutions in community-based climate change adaptation by identifying important socio-economic characteristics of local institutions in the study area, determining institution-based factors affecting the execution of community-based projects by local institutions, identifying ways in which communities are connected to local institutions and exploring the implications of findings for climate change adaptation at the community level. Primary data which included information on selected socio-economic characteristics of local institutions and community-based projects executed were collected from 750 respondents randomly selected from the list of registered local institutions in the state, using a set of close and open ended questionnaires. While the secondary data was on the staff strength (technical, administrative and trustees) of the institutions and their climate change awareness and knowledge index. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution and the poisson regression analysis. The study concludes that there is great opportunity for local institutions to act as the bridge between communities and individuals in the community with external sources of assistance but the institutions need to be strengthened, empowered and adequately funded.

Keywords: Adaptation; Climate Change; Community; Local Institutions