Participatory learning supports local adaptation in small communities in Hungary

Key Learnings

• Engagement: Emphasising the social aspect of climate adaptation allows for encouraging an ecological lifestyle and mindset as crucial elements of climate change adaptation. Building on ecological community gardens reconnects people with nature. Supporting gardening activities helps citizens become skilful gardeners and valuable community members.
• Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation between local authorities, experts, and residents ensures that adaptation actions are inclusive and grounded in local realities. Joint learning and shared responsibility build trust and enable long-term resilience planning at the municipal level.
• Knowledge Transfer: Practical, hands-on learning in community gardens effectively shares ecological and traditional knowledge. Testing plots and mentorship activities help spread sustainable practices across villages, laying the groundwork for continuous local adaptation.

Summary

Developing and testing practical measures improves the adaptive capacity of small rural villages to climate change. It strengthens participatory learning methods to build community resilience, systematises institutional support to promote autonomous livelihood strategies and mutual learning networks, and reframes traditional knowledge to reduce vulnerability and improve self-sufficiency – particularly in food security. Now entering its third year, the LIFE Co-Clima project continues to generate experience and insights that will inform future adaptation practices in rural communities.

Contact

Anna Mészár, annamagosvolgy [dot] hu (anna[at]magosvolgy[dot]hu)