topics and themes

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 Water systems are under increasing stress from climate change, population growth, and competing demands. In Exchange has supported water governance and resilience across diverse contexts—from strengthening catchment management in Rwanda and advancing coastal adaptation in São Tomé and Príncipe, to advising on conservation agriculture in Kenya. Most recently, through the DFAT-funded KIAT programme in Indonesia (Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Infrastructure), we provided senior technical advisory to water utilities in six cities, guiding the development of risk-based climate action plans that are now endorsed and in implementation. By combining technical expertise, policy insight, and field-tested approaches, we have helped governments and partners design water strategies that safeguard resources, strengthen institutions, and build resilience for the communities that depend on them.

 Climate change is not only an environmental challenge—it is a driver of insecurity and fragility. In Exchange works in complex countries such as Somalia, Rwanda and the Sahel (Burkina Faso, Niger) where extreme weather, fragile governance, and livelihood pressures combine to fuel competition over scarce resources. Droughts, floods, and shifting rainfall patterns intensify local conflicts, undermine food systems, and strain institutions leading to costly humanitarian crises. Our experience from these frontline states shows that addressing climate risks in fragile states requires more than technical solutions—it demands governance reform, smarter finance, and community-based approaches that build both resilience and peace.

 Agriculture lies at the heart of climate vulnerability and opportunity. We have supported conservation agriculture, climate-risk insurance programmes that help farmers reduce uncertainty from droughts, floods, and shifting seasons. Strengthening resilience in these contexts means more than boosting yields—it requires climate-smart practices, stronger producer organizations, and access to finance and risk-sharing mechanisms. We also recognize the growing importance of urban agriculture, where food production in and around cities contributes to food security, income generation, and adaptive capacity. Our aim is to work with partners to advance practical solutions that link smallholder farmers and producers to markets, protect livelihoods, and foster adaptation strategies that sustain both people and ecosystems.

 Resilient systems deliver results when they are inclusive. In Exchange has supported gender-responsive water governance in Rwanda and Zambia, expanded women’s participation in conservation agriculture in Eastern Kenya, and advanced equitable access to climate finance in fragile states. These efforts have shown success: higher adoption rates of climate-smart practices, stronger community institutions, and improved returns on investment for development partners. By embedding gender and social inclusion into project design and implementation, we aim to ensure that solutions translate into tangible, lasting impacts for households, communities, and national systems.

 Mobilizing climate finance is essential for countries to meet adaptation and development goals. In Exchange supports governments and institutions to create the policy and institutional frameworks needed to access and manage funds effectively. This includes shaping Somalia’s Climate Finance Strategy, strengthening national climate funds, and advancing new instruments such as the Adaptation Benefits Mechanism in São Tomé and Príncipe. By linking robust economic analysis with policy reform, we help partners demonstrate value for money, align with international standards, and build the confidence of donors and investors. The result is greater capacity to attract finance and direct it toward interventions that deliver measurable, lasting resilience.