Experiences of culture and adaptati

Experiences of culture and adaptation
This section reflects on the framework presented above, using examples from Practical Action’s experience to illustrate how community-based adaptation can be successful when it builds on existing social forms and effects change from within cultures, and where communities are well versed in the need for adaptation to harsh environments. These three elements are the central implications of the analysis of culture, well-being and adaptation, but do not operate in isolation from each other. As Figure 14.1 illustrates, these dimensions can overlap when the process of adaptation is played out. Figure 14.1 highlights the need to understand the cultural context when considering approaches to adaptation. In particular, the overlaps between the circles are instructive: cultures without deeply entrenched cultural norms and that have experience of adaptation may still be more responsive to approaches that recognize rather than challenge important social forms (overlap between circles 3 and 1). Similarly, adaptive cultures may be best served by approaches that effect change through seeking to extend the local context of choice, which (however flexible) will still have limits (overlap between circles 3 and 2). The identification of important social forms may be sufficient on its own to suggest adaptation options, or can be used as a starting point to build change from within cultures (overlap between circles 1 and 2). The following sections explore these approaches with reference to Figure 14.1.