Disasters, Climate Change and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons and Directions

Abstract

This paper explores the links among natural disasters, climate change, and economic development. It attempts to outline a framework for thinking about these links. The paper summarizes the limited knowledge of the long-term economic impact of natural disasters. It is necessary to draw links among disasters, conflicts, resource management, and other transmission channels to develop an appropriate response to natural disasters. The paper argues that African governments, along with their development partners, need to develop a more robust adaptation and response capability to disasters as part of their overall development planning. The paper makes the case for more market-based financing mechanisms than have been used hitherto and for an emphasis on forecasting research. It also argues for more work on the links between climate change and disasters and a new way of looking at disaster resilience as a continuum to development strategies.