<p>This briefing note summarises the key findings from the Regional Diagnostic Study (RDS) recently conducted in Ghana and Mali, as part of the ASSAR project. The RDS aimed to:</p>
<p>i) develop a systematic understanding of existing knowledge of climate change trends, impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies;</p>
<p>ii) identify the key barriers and enablers of effective adaptation in semi-arid regions;</p>
<p>iii) identify gaps in research, policy and practice related to climate change adaptation; and iv) provide a foundation for developing an integrated regional research program (RRP) on climate change vulnerability and adaptation.</p>