Futures Research

The programme works in ‘Transformation Labs’ — collaborative spaces where communities develop and test sustainable, equitable solutions. The goal is to develop future-proof solutions for a world grappling with climate change.

Projects

Publications

Projects

Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Tropical Drylands (CLARITY)

Partners: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, International Development Research Centre

The Futures Research programme currently hosts the Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Tropical Drylands (CLARITY) project. It is part of CLARE, a global consortium to build climate resilience in the tropical drylands of Africa and India.

Under CLARITY, we are establishing Transformation Labs — collaborative spaces to create knowledge and solutions for water and agricultural challenges. These are in two semi-arid regions of Karnataka state: Chikkaballapur and Raichur districts. Both regions are at the urban-rural interface and are characterised by shallow and deep aquifers that have been rapidly depleting for almost two decades.

The project also involves a qualitative analysis of how different stakeholders perceive and understand evolving human-water systems and their hopes and aspirations. Through visual diaries, journey maps, and key informant interviews, we are highlighting the lived experiences, concerns, and aspirations of marginalised groups.

A group of around 20 people sitting in a rectangular shape inside a room
Under the CLARITY project, WELL Labs is training community hydrologists to address the critical gap between the scientific study of hydrology and its practical applications for water management

Publications