Experimenting with Adaptation Solutions: Snapshots from three pilot initiatives of HI-AWARE
In addition to conducting research on water, energy, food security, human health, water-induced hazards and extreme events, HI-AWARE under Research Component (RC) 3 of the Knowledge Generation Work Package is also in the process of testing adaptation measures in these sites and designing adaptation pathways for out-scaling and up-scaling.
It is critical to test, verify, and evaluate the viability, efficiency, and effectiveness of a particular development intervention at a small scale before taking it to a larger scale. This testing and evaluating process is known as piloting. HI-AWARE uses piloting for testing technologies, approaches, options and innovations in close interaction with communities at smaller scales so that the processes can be evaluated for optimal out-scaling and up-scaling. In this way, replication at larger scales have greater likelihood of success and policy influence.
Kaunia, Teesta Basin, Rangpur, Bangladesh
Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) is conducting action research to pilot Climate and Flood Resilience (CFR) housing options in the lower Teesta basin in northwestern Bangladesh. BCAS has adopted a participatory and multi-disciplinary sequential approach in piloting CFR housing. Upscaling this pilot that has brought together housing technology expertise and community knowledge and needs will bring relief from inundation and livelihood insecurity to the flood affected residents. The technologically-sound and socio-culturally appropriate CFR housing options also offer habitat security including access to basic amenities, water sanitation, storing grains even during floods and inundation.
Pashchim Champaran, Gandaki Basin, Bihar, India
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in partnership with Megh Pyne Abhiyan (MPA) and Water Action (WA), are piloting Flood Resilient Sanitation in Naya Tola Bhishambharpur (NTB) village, Nautan Block in Pashchim (West) Champaran District of Bihar. By implementing and upscaling the Eco-San Toilet or the ‘Phaydemand Shauchalay’ (beneficial toilet), as it is locally known, this pilot addresses the sanitation problem resulting from floods in the area and contributes towards improved health and hygiene outcomes. The process is participatory in order to localize the concept.
Rawalpindi, Indus Basin, Punjab, Pakistan
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) is piloting ‘Solar Pumping Irrigation System with Climate Smart Technology/Package’ in order to combat food and water scarcity, sporadic rainfall, and the ever-increasing demands of a growing population on the agricultural systems of Potohar region in Rawalpindi district. This has been categorised as a Developmental On-farm Research Pilot (DO-FRP). Upscaling this pilot will improve integrated water resource management practices resulting in food security and improved livelihoods in dry and arid situations in Pakistan.