Climate change adaptation technologies (CCAT) are critically needed in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), which tend to be most affected by climate change. Inventors from LMIC (i.e. LMIC inventors) tend to possess valuable local knowledge for developing CCAT inventions. While previous research shows that IP rights regimes, such as patent systems, tend to be weak in LMIC, little is known about the motives for LMIC inventors that still apply for patents and the barriers they face. In this study, we focus particularly on LMIC inventors that develop CCAT inventions, investigating their patenting motives, benefits, and barriers. We identified CCAT inventions that originated from LMIC using the Y02A CPC patent classification. From an astonishingly small sample of 71 patents, we interviewed thirteen inventors using a semi-structured interview approach. From an inductive coding approach, six propositions emerged that we discussed subsequently with policy experts, such as from the United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and WIPO Green. Despite the fact that patent regimes in LMIC tend to be weak, our findings indicate the important role of patents for LMIC inventors to attract investments and facilitate technology diffusion. However, weak national patent systems and corruption in LMIC tend to limit the protection of inventions, which appears to be a barrier for inventors. The results also indicate that national and international organisations should consider better supporting LMIC inventors by providing more IP education and more effective technology matchmaking models. Findings also imply that the need for CCAT inventions represents an innovation opportunity for LMIC, with potential substantial economic benefits.