 Climate change poses a serious challenge to developing countries. Adapting to it will require significant funds. Various international sources of finance are now available. But how does this money reach local people? We'll have ideas based on experiences which meet their specific needs for reducing the impacts of climate change. Decentralized climate adaptation funds use existing local governance systems to disperse money in a way that empowers communities and builds climate change resilience. With local people, with relevant local knowledge deciding on the priorities, the funds can reach those most vulnerable to climate change. Governments in these countries are establishing decentralized climate adaptation funds in a few regions in each country to pilot the approach. These pilots are currently being funded by UK aid from the UK government. But the approach could be used to access and distribute international climate finance in future. Once the right systems are in place at national and local level. To make sure local people benefit, 90% of each fund is allocated to investments prioritized by communities and local authorities. And 10% is used to manage the fund. This makes it very good value for money. Adaptation planning committees are created at both community and local government level. At community level, they are made up of individuals chosen by their communities for their integrity and relevant knowledge. They consult locally on what would be the best investments in public goods. Then prioritise them according to criteria developed together as a community. For example, investments must build resilience to climate change, benefit many people and take into account different needs and livelihoods of men and women. These investments are funded by the decentralized climate adaptation fund. Examples could include improving water sources so they stock water for longer periods, support for farmers, herders, fisherfolk and others to meet to negotiate shared use of resources. For example, designated drought reserve passages for livestock and researching and supporting access to vaccinations for livestock diseases that have become more prevalent due to climate change. The adaptation planning committee at local government level is made up of government staff and community members. They provide advice and technical support to the community level committee and prioritise investments from the fund that build resilience to climate change at local government level. For instance, financing access to climate information to help farmers and livestock herders to be aware of changing predictable weather conditions in their planning. With finance and planning mechanisms for accessing climate funding in place at a local level, communities and national governments will be in a far better position to deal with the impacts of climate change. Find out more about decentralized climate adaptation funds here.