The challenge
Quelimane, a city grappling with rapid urbanisation and poverty, faces exacerbated climate-induced hazards like flooding and erosion. The absence of structured urban planning and the prevalence of informal housing in high-risk areas compound these challenges. This project confronts the critical need for local adaptation mechanisms to mitigate these climate and urban risks, ensuring sustainable community development and damage prevention.
Expected impact
This project aims to foster community-level adaptation to climate risks in Quelimane, Mozambique, by addressing key constraints like technical capacity, cooperation, and funding. By employing randomised controlled trials and leveraging local and international expertise, the initiative seeks to empower communities to develop and manage their climate resilience strategies effectively. The project aspires to establish a model for community-centric climate adaptation that could be replicated in similar urban settings facing climate vulnerabilities.
Funding details
Funded under the IGC Call for Proposals Summer 2022 (Full Research Projects) and the IGC Call for Proposals Autumn 2023 (Large Grants)
Project duration
2023 – 2026
Project team
- Dr Stefan Leeffers (UCL Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction)
- Pedro Vicente (Nova School of Business and Economics)
- Jacob Macdonald (University of Sheffield)
- Patricia Caetano (Nova School of Business and Economics) – Project Coordinator
- Benjamim Portugal (NOVAFRICA) – Field Coordinator
Image: Informal housing and limited urban planning in Quelimane, by Dr Stefan Leeffers