This chapter introduces Part II of this policy guidance which focuses on integrating adaptation within development activities at the national, sectoral and project levels. The chapter defines the scope of the national, sectoral and project levels and outlines the approach that will be taken in subsequent chapters to integrate adaptation at each of these levels.

This chapter addresses why the national level matters for adaptation. It illustrates how to get started on addressing adaptation at the national level by: identifying and engaging key national actors; improving access to national-level climate information; organising government structures to better address adaptation; building upon and reinforcing existing national mechanisms for disaster risk reduction; modifying regulations and standards to reflect current and anticipated climate risks; and enhancing linkages between multilateral/regional commitments and adaptation. It addresses integrating adaptation within the national policy cycle – at the policy formulation stage; at the planning stage (multi-year development plans); at resource allocation stage (mediumterm expenditure frameworks and national budgets); and at the programming/implementation stage – (sector-level development plans). It looks at donor support for integration of adaptation at the national level through budgetary support mechanisms and donor country assistance strategies. Finally, it summarises the challenges and priorities for action at the national level.

This chapter addresses why the sector level matters for adaptation and identifies the priority sectors and key players at the sector level. It examines integrating adaptation within the sectoral policy cycle - at the policy formulation stage; the planning stage; the resource allocation and sector programming stage; and the monitoring and evaluation stage. It looks at donor support for integration of adaptation at the sectoral level and concludes with a discussion of the challenges and priorities for action.

This chapter addresses why the project level matters for adaptation. It sets out the project cycle, from identification to appraisal and detailed design to implementation to monitoring and evaluation. It goes on to discuss integrating adaptation within the project cycle and the role of donors in enabling integration of adaptation at the project level. The chapter closes with a discussion of challenges and priorities for action at the project level.