This module identifies the tools and methods needed for assessing climate-related risks at
community level, focusing on the agriculture sector2. It introduces some of the key concepts and
steps for climate risk assessment in the context of livelihood adaptation to climate change in
agriculture. This covers a range of climate risks with special emphasis on drought. At the end
of this module, participants should:
1. understand the participatory tools and processes for assessing climate-related
hazards, vulnerabilities and risks in agriculture,
2. identify key climate risks that have significant impact on communities in
general and livelihoods in particular, and
3. assess the community perception of risks associated with past and current
climate variability.
Rural communities and individual farmers face risks associated with climate variability and
climate change. Their livelihoods are exposed to climate risks and associated impacts.
Conventionally, risk is expressed by the notation: Risk = Hazards x Vulnerability.
Risk identification and assessment are the two important steps that form the basis for successful
implementation of adaptation practices. This involves identification and assessment of current
(climate variability) and future (climate change) risks and associated societal vulnerabilities.