Recognising the urgency of preparing for the impacts of climate change is essential for African policy makers. This guidebook aims to translate available climate science analysis and current international climate policies that can be implemented in Africa to advance sustainable development. It is focused on analysis of potential climate change impacts and appropriate adaptation and mitigation options.Recommendations suggested in the guidebook include:

mechanisms to provide adaptation funds for Africa and to develop climate change strategies, programmes and plans that attract international funding
African countries should build their capacity to collect, analyse and use climate data
climate change adaptation and risk management needs to be integrated into development practice at all levels
the public sector should play a more active role in addressing investment risks.

The publication concludes that the information provided is aimed at enhancing awareness and enabling the countries to:

ground long-term programmes on clear assessment of the available scientific and economic data
develop coherent responses to climate challenges that are strategic and incorporating cost-effective low carbon growth within a broader sustainable development context
make well-founded contributions to the international climate negotiations
assist countries to harness climate finance
increase national competitiveness
build dialogue, local capacity and know how to understand and negotiate trade-offs and gain support for a locally owned vision and package of policies for sustainable development
build African capacity to reduce the transaction costs for Africans and their organisations in accessing climate finance.