This paper discusses opportunities to support locally led adaptation to climate change through monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL). It outlines steps throughout the MEL cycle to balance power, promote mutual accountability, elevate local knowledge and priorities, and create value for local actors, in the interest of more effective and equitable locally led adaptation interventions. The paper recommends a systemic shift toward MEL that is locally led, context-aware, and itself adaptive.

This paper highlights key findings from over 50 listening sessions held with farmers, herders, fishers, NGOs and CSOs, and the private sector, meant to inform the CGIAR's Two Degree Initiative, a flagship effort to transform the global food system for a climate-smart future.