Centralized state governance systems have been criticized for being ineffective and inefficient in tackling complex climate change challenges. Consequently, governance models that integrate collaboration among diverse stakeholders are seen as crucial in increasing adaptation efforts around the world. However, at present, there is little insight into the mechanics of collaborative adaptation governance (CAG) at the local, regional, national or global levels. Drawing on collaborative governance theory and literature on climate change adaptation, we use multiple qualitative research methods to identify and explore CAG in Northern Ghana. We examine the conceptualization and implementation of CAG projects as well as the motivation behind them and their ensuing benefits. Results show that perceived climatic changes, diminishing agricultural livelihoods, adaptation resource needs and opportunities largely drive CAG. Local state actors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provide leadership in CAG, bridging gaps in access to adaptation resources through the provision of agricultural inputs, climate services, infrastructure and human capacity development. However, in parallel to these, there exist interwoven governance challenges that include questions of trust, commitment, transparency, accountability and the representation of diverse interests. We demonstrate how powerful state actors and NGOs set the agenda, frame problems, and implement rules and incentives that are contrary to the normative tenets of collaborative governance theory. Ultimately, the results of this study shows that CAG is attempted but the challenges of CAG in Northern Ghana are large, while also providing insight into the extent to which CAG approaches can facilitate adaptation to climate change globally.

人们批评中央集权治理体系在应对复杂的气候变化挑战方面效率低下。因此，将整合不同利益相关者之间的协作的治理模型视为在全球范围内增加适应工作的关键。但是，目前，对本地，区域，国家或全球级别的协作适应治理（CAG）的机制知之甚少。借助协作治理理论和有关气候变化适应的文献，我们使用多种定性研究方法来识别和探索加纳北部的CAG。我们研究了CAG项目的概念和实施，以及它们背后的动机及其带来的好处。结果表明，感知到的气候变化减少了农业生计，适应资源的需求和机遇在很大程度上推动了CAG的发展。地方国家行为者和非政府组织（NGOs）在CAG中发挥领导作用，通过提供农业投入，气候服务，基础设施和人员能力发展来弥补获取适应资源方面的差距。然而，与此同时，存在相互交织的治理挑战，包括信任，承诺，透明度，问责制和不同利益的代表问题。我们展示了强大的国家行为者和非政府组织如何制定议程，制定问题，实施规则和激励措施，这些行为与协作治理理论的规范宗旨背道而驰。最终，这项研究的结果表明，有人尝试了CAG，但在加纳北部，CAG面临的挑战很大，