Solving ‘wicked’ problems: can social learning catalyse adaptive responses to climate change?

Epp MV, Garside B. 2016. Solving ‘wicked’ problems: can social learning catalyse adaptive responses to climate change?. IIED Working Paper. London, United Kingdom: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).

Social learning approaches can catalyse knowledge co-creation and action, so have the potential to help solve complex ‘wicked’ problems such as climate change and food insecurity. This working paper synthesises evidence from five diverse initiatives employing social learning approaches in response to such problems using the Climate Change and Social Learning initiative’s monitoring and evaluation framework. It finds initial evidence that key factors in social learning approaches can lead to clear learning outcomes with resulting positive changes in values and practice. Links to longer-term development outcomes are also evident in several completed initiatives.