Institutional constraints, including path dependency and lengthy decision- making processes, remain major limitations to successful adaptation globally  , as well as for the water sector . For example, a lack of institutional support has limited the ability of farmers to implement adaptation, even if information about the benefits is acknowledged . A lack of inter-sectoral coordination and communication within institutions and conflicting interests between water sectors limit the potential for integrated policies. For all water-related adaptation options, which have shown to be effective in one or more dimensions , governance and institutional constraints were identified to be the most commonly encountered to a moderate or significant extent . Water- energy-food nexus approaches can help overcome these inter-sectoral barriers  . In addition, trade-offs between different policy goals must be considered to ensure the broader significance of the implemented adaptation strategies, such as water quality implication of adaptation efforts in the agricultural or energy sectors  .
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report