Asal is a regional leader in delivering innovative, context-specific solutions for climate resilience. With a strong presence in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), we specialise in bridging science, policy, and community action to address the unique climate challenges in East and Horn of Africa.
What We Do
Climate Knowledge Program
This program is developed in-house by Asal and spotlights local perspectives and indigenous environmental knowledge through research and wide-ranging learning initiatives such as a community of practice (CoP). Asal’s Climate Knowledge Program is designed to inform policymakers and disseminate climate-related information to communities across the Horn of Africa. Together with our strategic partner, IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) we will host a vibrant CoP that fosters peer learning among practitioners, researchers, and community leaders. Through webinars, field exchanges, and digital platforms, we promote continuous learning, cross-fertilization and innovation.
Our work bridges climate knowledge and action by translating complex climate data into actionable insights for policymakers, civil society, and communities. We develop bespoke products (linked to our digital public infrastructure practice) and services focused on concrete uptake by end users.
Climate- Security Nexus work sits at the intersection of climate change, conflict and peacebuilding. Asal designs and implements interventions aimed at addressing tensions between communities both across the borderlands and across the Horn of Africa. One specific area relates to understanding and minimising linkages between climate change and conflict.
Conflict-sensitivity and Do No Harm - our initiatives geared toward adaptation are not inherently neutral; some communities may be left out and some interventions may cause harm. Drawing on our deep understanding of the context, Asal develops approaches and tools to help mitigate and reduce risk of conflict and harm. Two offers that help us achieve this is a) our program-related PEA for climate action, and b) conducting participatory dialogues to spread awareness and promote inclusive buy-in and support from citizens and government actors.
Institutional strengthening and capacity building through a Technical Facility - we draw on a global network of climate technical experts and connect them with institutions and policymakers for the purposes of capacity building, improving implementation, and knowledge transfer.
Asal prioritises a Whole of Society approach, through ensuring consistent engagement of diverse citizens and their meaningful input into climate related policy and adaptation efforts; Asal draws on its long experience in participatory public policy to support policymakers and citizens to promote implementation and overall awareness. We have experience in bringing policymakers and citizens together for the purpose of climate policy dialogues, learning with citizens, etc. Feedback from these policy discussions helps us generate additional data and insights to deepen local climate action.
Asal’s work is embedded in partnerships - our work requires creating and sustaining partnerships at multiple levels. Our work is guided by the following principles a. Equitable partnerships with communities and institutions affected by climate change/working in the climate space.
b. Collaborative working arrangements with governments at different levels, including regional entities such as IGAD, East Africa Community and the African Union. c. Strengthening relationships with universities and research centers, prioritizing Global South institutions dedicated to climate issues.
