Abstract
The study aims at critically analysing approaches of state and non-state actors to climate change interventions in Zambia, with a view to determine climate change coordination and propose improvements to the coordination framework or efforts. By doing so, the study proposes solutions to traditionally identified challenges of climate change coordination. It is argued that a robust climate change coordination model would bolster sustainable climate change action. Deriving from a theoretical multiplicity framework, this study employed the use of semi-structured questionnaires and interviews through purposive sampling of survey respondents and key informants. A total of 147 respondents completed the questionnaire, while 18 interviews were held with key informants. The use of semi-structured questionnaires and interviews aided in triangulation. Primary data was analysed by means of Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis. Deep dive analysis and systematic reviews were utilised for the secondary data. The study found the following: politics was a major factor at domestic level and has a significant influence on climate change policy, as well as on the extent of inclusion of actors and the consequent effectiveness of climate actor actions. For non-state actors and sub-national entities, the politics is compounded by: limited incentives; failure to access climate financing and benefits from international instruments; fragmented climate information systems; limited technical and institutional capacities; unclear climate action roles and responsibilities; limited decision making power; and limited participation in the formulation process of climate change legislation, which for Zambia is currently narrow in scope to effectively address the complexity of climate change. The study therefore proposes a Climate Action Coordination (CAC) Model which ensures all critical elements of climate change coordination are embraced. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in terms of theory, practice and assessment methodologies: Firstly, it deepens our understanding of climate action practices prevailing in the climate change sector in Zambia and the possible reasoning behind such phenomena. Secondly, the study also gave rise to a Model that promotes robust coordination and collaboration of climate change actors. The expectation is that the operationalisation of the proposed interventions outlined in the CAC Model would improve effectiveness of climate change interventions. In addition to the Model, the study also highlights policy measures in the areas of climate financing, legislation, policy, information systems, capacity building and institutional arrangements, among others. Thirdly, the research processes and tools employed in undertaking this study provide a valuable approach for similar assessments, evaluations, reviews, studies or research projects. This study therefore contributes practical and tested methods and processes for climate action and climate actor institutional assessments.