Community-based adaptation (CBA) projects are interventions whose primary objective is to improve the capacity of local communities to adapt to climate change. CARE's approach to CBA is people-centred. It focuses on empowering vulnerable people with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to effectively respond to the challenges posed by climate change. It is grounded in comprehensive analysis of vulnerability, which guides the identification of appropriate adaptation strategies for different groups based on their specific needs and priorities. The analysis includes men, women and marginalized groups in the community.

From CARE's perspective, CBA is a process, not an end. It involves four interrelated strategies:

• Promotion of climate-resilient livelihoods strategies (such as climate-resilient agricultural and income diversification), combined with capacity building for planning and improved risk management;
• Disaster risk reduction strategies to reduce the impact of hazards, particularly on vulnerable households and individuals;
• Capacity development for local civil society and governmental institutions so that they can provide better support to communities, households and individuals in their adaptation efforts; and
• Advocacy and social mobilization to address the underlying causes of vulnerability, such as poor governance, lack of control over resources, or limited access to basic services.

Recognizing the importance of an enabling environment for effective CBA, our strategy is not limited to promoting change at the local level. CARE's approach also endeavours to influence policies at regional, national and international levels with community-based experience.

CARE is implementing CBA projects in partnership with local organizations and communities around the world. We are using these experiences to develop tools that support effective analysis, design, implementation and monitoring for CBA initiatives.