Strengthening knowledge and networks at the CLARE Capacity Strengthening Hub
The CLARE Capacity Strengthening (CS) Hub Seasonal School, held from 24-28 February 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was a dynamic platform for early career researchers and advocacy actors working on CLARE projects across Africa and Asia.
Themed Critical Thinking and Collaborative Research Tools, the goal was to sharpen critical thinking skills and enhance collaborative research capacity among participants, equipping us with the tools needed to address complex climate resilience challenges.
The CS was, beyond a learning opportunity, a chance to reflect on my current work with the Tuwe Pamoja project. Through the project, I aim to collaborate with other stakeholders to empower urban communities to take active roles in shaping their climate adaptation strategies to ensure that solutions are inclusive and sustainable.
Bridging the gap between research and action
Training and discussions centred around exploring lived realities in climate-vulnerable communities and bridging the gap between research and policy. With a focus on gender, technology and livelihoods, we delved into the multifaceted challenges faced by communities affected by the impacts of climate change. We also explored strategies for translating evidence into actionable policies that drive real-world change.
One of the most impactful aspects of the Seasonal School was its focus on participatory methods and transdisciplinary approaches. Through hands-on exercises like risk mapping, impact chain analysis and scenario planning, we learned how to integrate local knowledge with scientific data to develop effective climate adaptation strategies.
Engagements with local communities and stakeholders during a field trip to Mji Mpia and Kombo, informal settlements in Dar es Salaam, allowed us to witness firsthand the challenges of poor sanitation, flooding and waste management, while also learning about community-led solutions like waste recycling and small-scale water management projects.
The programme emphasised the 4C’s: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, which were woven into the sessions ranging from interactive workshops to field exercises. These themes enriched our understanding of climate resilience and provided practical tools for addressing real-world challenges.
By the end of the programme, I had deeper insights into the interdisciplinary nature of climate resilience research and a renewed commitment to bridging the gap between research and action.
Discussions, field trips and engagement
As an early career researcher, I was excited to contribute to the Seasonal School in several ways. Specifically, I drew attention to and highlighted intersectionalities beyond the feminisation of gender, emphasising the layered dimensions of vulnerability across social groups.
While the prevailing opinion was that women are generally more vulnerable, the discussions my participation generated underscored the importance of recognising diverse vulnerabilities within communities.
I also participated in a transect walk during the field trip, where I worked with a team to document environmental hazards and community-led initiatives in Mji Mpia. These community-led initiatives, mainly focused on improved waste management and sanitation practices, as well as the generation of biogas from household faecal waste, were facilitated by local NGO the Centre for Community Initiatives.
This experience reinforced the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement and the value of local actors in shaping effective climate adaptation strategies.
Following the field trip, we were asked to share our findings in engaging and innovative ways. To do this, I led my team in developing a research dissemination video. This was an exercise of creativity and effective communication in translating complex research into accessible formats for diverse audiences.
Partnerships that drive nature-based solutions
I presented a poster on the Tuwe Pamoja project, which sparked engaging discussions with fellow participants and a project partner from Nairobi.
Indeed, my contributions at the Seasonal School were closely tied to my work with the Tuwe Pamoja project, which focuses on empowering communities to build resilience through participatory research and action.
The skills and insights I gained at the event—particularly in critical thinking, collaborative research, and knowledge brokering—will directly inform my ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between research and practice in climate resilience in low-income informal settlements in urban Accra.
Going forward, I am excited to apply what I learnt to my work with Tuwe Pamoja and to continue building partnerships that drive nature-based solutions for urban climate adaptation and resilience.
Building a more resilient future
By bringing together researchers, practitioners and policymakers from diverse backgrounds, CLARE has created a space for knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation.
The tools and methodologies I learned at the event - from risk mapping to storytelling for science communication - will enhance my ability to engage with stakeholders and translate research findings into actionable insights for communities and policymakers alike.
The CLARE CS Hub Seasonal School is a reminder of the power of collaboration and critical thinking in addressing the complex challenges of climate change. By fostering a peer-to-peer learning environment and emphasising the importance of local knowledge, the event equipped participants like myself with the skills and insights needed to drive innovative solutions.
Reflecting on my experience fills me with gratitude for the opportunity to learn from such a diverse and inspiring group of individuals. I look forward to staying connected with the CLARE community and continuing my journey toward building a more resilient future, particularly in informal urban settlements in Accra.
This article was written by Yaw Atiglo, Tuwe Pamoja Academic Team member for Accra from the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) at the University of Ghana.
