June 2012

By S.J.E. Midgley, R.A.G. Davies, T.C. Wroblewski, E. Hope

SUBMITTED TO: Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN). This project is supported by the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWP-SAP).

Impacts of climate variability and change differ spatially across the Basin and an understanding of this should inform the nature and prioritisation of adaptation responses to benefit the vulnerable. This Policy Brief is based on the research outcomes of a Geographic Information Sy stem (GIS)-based study (Midgley et al., unpublished) to identify and raise awareness around Basin-wide climate-related vulnerability “hotspots” now and in future, and to guide Basin-wide and national debate around options and priorities. We show how gender and age-specific indicators can be mapped and interpreted within the greater Basin-wide risk and vulnerability analysis to inform policy development which is responsive to these groups’ specific needs.