The ambiguity of “climate change adaptation” and financing decisions in public budgets: insights from Tanzania

Over the past decade, developed countries have pledged substantial finances for climate change adaptation. However, the adequacy of these funds in addressing the needs of developing countries remains a subject of debate. Additionally, the lack of a clear definition of adaptation has allowed recipient countries’ institutions to strategically interpret and tailor these funds to suit their institutional logic. Using institutional logic theory, this study examines how ambiguity in climate change adaptation influences resource allocation decisions, focusing on Tanzania as a case study. While scholars have noted the ambiguous nature of climate adaptation, few have explored how institutional logics shape the allocation of resources for climate change adaptation and its implementation in recipient institutions. This research addresses the gap by investigating the impact of ambiguity on climate change adaptation implementation, particularly in countries in the global south. Through a deductive thematic analysis of interviews with local and central government officials, the study shows how ambiguity blurs the distinction between development and adaptation activities, with interpretations shaped by organizational mandates and political considerations. The findings highlight the need for a clearer definition of climate adaptation and improved coordination in climate finance allocation within public budgets to address the challenges posed by ambiguity.