Part of the Leading Integrated Research for Agenda 2030 in Africa (LIRA2030) programme

The aim of the Transforming southern African cities in a changing climate project was to better understand the extent to which transformative adaptation has been envisioned in southern African cities, explore interventions that have transformative characteristics, unpack how these might be more transformative in the future and, importantly, draw out key messages about transformative adaptation for southern African cities. Using case studies in Durban (South Africa) and Harare (Zimbabwe), the project is contributing to understanding how (or if) theoretical ideas of transformative adaptation play out in reality in southern African cities. Considering both cities are faced with the challenge of managing water under changing climate conditions, water resilience projects have been selected as case studies in both cities. Importantly, Transforming southern African cities in a changing climate aims to integrate knowledge from stakeholders living and working in these cities with academic knowledge through transdisciplinary co-production approaches.

Time frame: 2018-2020

Funder: Sida (managed by ISC and NASAC)

Partners: The core research team comprises Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) and University of Cape Town. City of Harare (CoH) and eThekwini Municipality also play important roles, alongside other non-academic organisations in Durban and Harare.

For further details: Link Here

Download the resources below:

• Documentary: Changing course: a look into transformative river management in Durban
• Lira Policy Brief – Identifying moments of change in relation to transformative adaptation in water projects in two southern African cities
• Lira Policy Brief- Lessons about holistic and flexible approaches to support transformative adaptation in Durban and Harare
• Lira Policy Brief- Lessons about fundamental changes and demonstrable aspects of transformative adaptation in Durban and Harare
• Lira Policy Brief – Pathways towards transformative climate change adaptation in Harare
• Working Paper – Pathways to transformative climate adaptation in southern African cities
• Background Paper – Exploring transformative urban climate adaptation in Durban, South Africa
• Transforming southern African cities in a changing climate. Project planning and integration – Durban Learning lab 1 2018
• Transforming southern African cities in a changing climate – Durban Learning lab 2 2019
• Transforming southern African cities in a changing climate – Durban Learning lab 3 2019
• Transforming southern African cities in a changing climate – Durban Learning lab 4 2020
• Background Paper – Exploring transformative urban climate adaptation in Harare, Zimbabwe
• Transforming southern African cities in a changing climate. Project planning and integration – Harare Learning lab 1 2019
• Transforming southern African cities in a changing climate – Harare Learning lab 2 2020