The main objective of this study was to assess the existing national and regional capacities, the needs and the modalities to tackle the needs identified in order to fast-track climate change adaptation within the basin. To achieve the above objective, four specific objectives were considered: a) a stock taking exercise on the institutional landscape and existing strategies for policy and institutional support within the basin; b) Identification and characterization of capacity needs of selected stakeholders across different levels in the context of climate change adaptation c) Identification of policy and institutional gaps in conceptualizing and implementing adaptation initiatives within the basin; and lastly, d) the establishment of the impact of trans-boundary water resources management issues on adaptation measures and strategies including vulnerability assessments.