Sustainable drylands management: a strategy for securing water resources and adapting to climate change

This information paper illustrates sustainable dryland management practises in communities vulnerable to climate change with case studies in India and the Sudan.In both cases the adaptation programme is presented, including infrastructural strategy and social involvement, followed by results of the programme, subsequent impact on the community and examples of further achievements and successes in local areas. A notable outcome in both India and the Sudan is that sustainable development practises have not only resulted in environmental developments, but socioeconomic conditions have also improved and communities are coordinating and managing their own adaptation projects.The authors provides a concise summary of lessons learned for climate change adaptation in other regions including:understanding local vulnerabilities to implement appropriate strategiesestablishing community based institutions and organisations to improve participationdeveloping human resources through training and community educationmaintaining support of regional policy frameworks.