Theories of change for low carbon resilient development

National governments in the least developed countries (LDCs) are increasingly considering how to incorporate the low carbon resilient development agenda into their future plans. It is important to ensure that the low carbon resilient development agenda actively supports development and improved livelihoods for the poorest communities, as well as addressing low carbon issues.

This research will address the question of how and why some LDC countries are moving towards low carbon resilient development policies. It will analyse in particular the organisations and individuals involved in developing these policies, their priorities for a low carbon resilient development agenda, and potential tensions and contradictions between the low carbon agenda and the development objectives of the LDCs.

The project will then develop theories of change outlining the main factors and key institutions that contribute to developing an inclusive low carbon resilient development pathway in different contexts. These will be developed through country-level workshops with partner organisations in the south. These theories of change will be an important tool for national governments wishing to ensure that an international policy emphasis on low emissions is tied into development objectives in the long-term.

The project will run over three years (2012-2015) and will involve active collaboration with governments and key stakeholders in the case study countries. The project will involve in-depth analysis in three countries that have a broad range of experiences with the low emission development agenda (Rwanda, Bangladesh and Bolivia) as well as a broader analysis of policy developments in other LDCs.