This research examines adaptation barriers in South Africa, their origins, and solutions. We held a stakeholder workshop with 46 adaptation practitioners from different sectors. We found that lack of funding, mandate, awareness, understanding, and expertise were key barriers. We also found that most adaptation policy barriers originate from poor political leadership. In order to implement adaptation policy, participants suggested strengthening mainstreaming policy interventions, collaboration, partnership, mandates, priorities, willingness to act, and capacity building. The research was part of the PhD titled: From Policy to Practice: Understanding the Adaptation Gap in South Africa through Policy Paradigms, Barriers and Adaptation Readiness