Biography
Jacob Baraza Abumba is a PhD researcher at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, where his work examines the intersections of locally led adaptation, risk governance and water security. His doctoral research focuses on de-risking locally led development, with particular attention to policy translation and power dynamics in locally led adaptation (LLA), and the strengthening of risk governance systems in water‑insecure contexts.
Jacob holds a Diploma in Water Engineering from the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI), an MSc in Water Management and Governance from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, and an MA in Environmental Law from the University of Nairobi.
His broader research interests include digital water diplomacy and multilevel transboundary water governance from a legal perspective. Beyond academia, he works as a senior advisor on water and climate law, policy, and programming, supporting initiatives in Middle East, Eastern Europe, and East Africa.
