Transformation, adaptation and development : relating concepts to practice

The article charts some of the ways the term “transformation” is used in relation to climate change adaptation, and how in turn, these relate to practice. The paper frames a set of typologies on “mechanisms,” “target outcomes” and “the object” of change to help differentiate the multiple ways the term is used. It argues that the term “transformative adaptation” implies something subtly different. A critical perspective on time and spatial scales is also important for translating underlying meanings. This granularity can be beneficial when applying transformation thinking to practice, by providing clarity around the objectives of adaptation response.UK Government's Department for International Development (DfID