The Role of Meso-level Organizations in Climate Adaptation for Small-Scale Producers in Sub-Saharan Africa-insights from four African Countries

Abstract This analysis examines the meso-level organizations (MLOs) that are core climate change adaptation (CCA) actors responsible for interweaving micro-level rural community needs with macro-level policy and finance intentions, using qualitative data from four countries in Africa: Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. Findings show that MLOs involved in CCA comprise a complex group of organizational actors that operate across geographies and social contexts, and manifest substantially different capacities and functions, which create dependencies and opportunities for synergy that form the basis of partnering and networking critical for carrying out CCA. Because MLOs bridge macro-level policy/finance and micro-level CCA beneficiaries they have greater influence on CCA than is currently recognized. Findings generate insights about the vulnerability of the organizations in the CCA meso-level and the potential implications of changes in financial support will have for ultimate beneficiaries