Climate Change In Africa Research Articles

Managing Climate Change in Africa: Balancing Social and Environmental Factors in Crop Selection in Southwestern Ethiopia

Managing Climate Change in Africa: Balancing Social and Environmental Factors in Crop Selection in Southwestern Ethiopia

Deciphering the complex interplay: Heterogeneous, threshold, and mediation effects of trade openness on CO2 emissions in Africa.

Despite having barely anything to do with the issue of CO2 emissions, Africa has been experiencing more severe climate change and its adverse effects than most other regions of the globe. However, the issue of CO2 emissions and its adverse effects has received relatively little attention in the African research arena. To this end, the present research assesses the effect of trade openness on the CO2 emissions utilizing panel data from 46 African countries spanning 2000 through 2022. To account for the possible heterogeneity and nonlinearity, the panel quantile regression and threshold methods were employed. Moreover, this study investigates the key mediating effects of the channel. The empirical findings show that greater trade openness is associated with significantly higher CO2 emission, additionally; it demonstrates that the influence is heterogeneous across different CO2 emission quantiles in African countries. Besides the result from the double threshold model reveals a complex, nonlinear relationship between trade openness and CO2 emissions in Africa. Moreover, the findings divulge that openness to trade indirectly reduces CO2 emissions through the substitution and technology channels whereas it indirectly increases carbon dioxide production via the economic track. Therefore, it is vital to promote the use of renewable energy, effectively leverage the knowledge spillover effects of trade to decrease energy intensity and formulate pertinent policies aimed at curbing carbon emissions and addressing the imminent threat of climate change in Africa. Besides, the nonlinear and heterogeneous effects of trade openness on CO2 emissions suggest that policies and interventions related to the impact of trade openness on CO2 emissions should consider the current level of carbon dioxide emissions.

A review of the intersection between climate change, agriculture, health, and nutrition in Africa: costs and programmatic options

BackgroundClimate change adversely affects Africa’s agriculture which would worsen the widespread food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies. Vulnerable populations, especially female farmers, women, and children are disproportionately affected.MethodsThe paper synthesizes available peer-reviewed and grey literature on the intersections of climate change, food insecurity, agriculture, gender disparities, health, child nutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies in Africa. It explores the economic ramifications of these factors, particularly their impact on public health and economic stability. The work aggregates insights into the current and future challenges of agricultural sustainability and the expected human capital development and economic costs of climate variations.ResultsThe prevalence of hunger and undernourishment in Africa is notably higher compared to other regions. Climate change directly threatens agriculture, with anticipated reductions in crop and livestock yields, compounded by the negative impact of greenhouse emissions on the nutritional quality of staple foods. Female farmers contribute notably to agriculture, but their labor share is less dominant than previously assumed. Exposure to high temperatures, especially for outdoor workers and pregnant women, presents significant health risks, further impacting agricultural and economic output. These interdependencies are presented in a framework along with suggested interventions that could be contextualized to address the climate drivers and interconnectivity across agriculture, health, and livelihoods.ConclusionThe interdependence between food, agriculture, health, nutrition, and human productivity, all of which are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change in Africa, form a complex challenge with profound health and economic implications. A multifaceted strategy is needed, encompassing climate-resilient farming practices, gender-sensitive interventions, health-focused measures like micronutrient supplementation, and comprehensive economic policies.

Expanding forest carbon sinks to mitigate climate change in Africa

Forests significantly contribute to climate change mitigation by acting as carbon sinks, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide, and keeping it in soil and biomass. Covering 22 % of its land, African forests offer numerous benefits to millions of people. Nevertheless, they face threats from human activities like deforestation and degradation. A holistic approach encompassing social, economic, and environmental factors is necessary to sustain forests as carbon sinks for maximum carbon sequestration potential. This study used carbon dioxide emissions, forest loss and gain, and land use change to investigate the level of carbon dioxide emissions and their relationship to forest loss and climate change in Africa from 1992 to 2020. Using ArcGIS, land use change was reclassified, InVEST model calculated carbon storage and sequestration, and annual changes in forest cover were assessed using the K and S indices. In the last two decades, 77.36 % of African countries had greater forest losses than gains, leading to 32 × 103 kha net loss, resulting in 15.73 Pg C of carbon dioxide emissions. Annual forest loss rate is 1.6 × 103 kha, equivalent to 0.786 Pg C, and that of carbon storage and sequestration decreased to −0.69 and −1.37, respectively. Results indicate that deforestation, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, significantly contributes to carbon emissions, and persistent tropical deforestation will affect future greenhouse gas concentrations. This research provides a detailed spatiotemporal analysis, highlighting areas experiencing severe forest cover change and carbon loss, underscoring the importance of forest conservation in mitigating climate change, and promoting effective land management policies.

Experimenting With the Forecasting Power of Publicity in the Predictability of Climate Change in Africa

Motivated by the fact that the majority of news outlets in Africa have not sufficiently covered climate change issues, we innovatively construct a news-based index, drawing from the big data archive of Google Trends, as a proxy for publicity in the predictability of climate change. We show that increasing publicity about climate change has the potential to cause emission reduction and slow climate change.

Climate Change: An Obvious Phenomenon or Myth, in the African Context

Climate change is a global phenomenon of unprecedented consequence, engendering substantial scientific, political, and societal discourse. This literature review article offers an exploration of climate change perceptions and realities in the African context. It begins by establishing the unmistakable scientific consensus, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) serving as a primary authority. The review highlights robust evidence, including temperature trends, extreme weather events, and ecological impacts across the African continent, affirming climate change as an undeniable scientific phenomenon. However, the discourse surrounding climate change in Africa is not homogeneous. Dissenting arguments challenging climate change as a myth emphasize the variability in public perception, data limitations, and the complexities of attribution. These counterarguments reflect diverse perspectives, economic interests, and political inclinations, contributing to the multifaceted character of the climate change discussion. The implications of these findings are substantial, especially for a region highly susceptible to climate change impacts. Proactive measures for climate mitigation and adaptation are imperative to address the vulnerabilities experienced by communities, ecosystems, and economies. A multidisciplinary approach is underscored, recognizing climate change as an intricate challenge interwoven with economics, politics, and human behaviour. The diversity of voices in this discourse emphasizes the need for ongoing research, collaborative efforts, and an inclusive approach to policy formulation. In navigating the complex terrain of climate change, unwavering commitment to scientific rigor, transparency, and sustainable solutions is paramount. This literature review contributes to the ongoing dialogue, providing a basis for further inquiry and informed decision-making. It has the potential to guide future investigations, shape public policy, and elevate awareness regarding the critical significance of addressing climate change in the African context and, by extension, the entire world. The findings presented here are a testament to the indispensable role of rigorous scholarship in comprehending and confronting one of the most pressing challenges of our time

Widening geographic range of Rift Valley fever disease clusters associated with climate change in East Africa

BackgroundRecent epidemiology of Rift Valley fever (RVF) disease in Africa suggests growing frequency and expanding geographic range of small disease clusters in regions that previously had not reported the disease....

African ecologies: literary, cultural, and religious perspectives – introduction

This article offers an introduction to the special section about the theme of ‘African Ecologies: Literature, Culture and Religion’. It explores the current interdisciplinary field of scholarship on ecology, environment, and climate change in Africa, mapping contributions from across the Humanities and the Social and Environmental Sciences. The article positions this special section in this ever-expanding body of literature, specifically deploying the notion of ‘African ecologies’ as a heuristic lens to examine how the relationship and interaction between living organisms, including humans, and the natural environment is conceived. It argues that social, cultural, literary, and religious ecology provide vital perspectives to enrich and expand the understanding of African ecologies, thereby expanding inventories of possibilities as climate change response pathways. (This article is published in the thematic collection ‘African ecologies: literary, cultural and religious perspectives’, edited by Adriaan van Klinken, Simon Manda, Damaris Parsitau and Abel Ugba.)

The vulnerability to climate change in Africa: Does industrial development matter?

AbstractIn a context marked by an upsurge in the scale of climate change and its consequences in Africa, this article explores ways to increase the resilience of African economies. It aims to analyze the effect of industrialization on the continent's vulnerability to climate change (VCC). The sample used for this purpose consists of 41 African countries from 2010 to 2021. A dynamic panel model is estimated using the system generalized method of moments. Results show that industrialization reduces the VCC in African countries. It reduces their sensitivity to climate change while increasing their adaptive capacity. Furthermore, results show that industrialization is more likely to reduce the VCC in sectors such as ecosystems, habitat, health, and infrastructures whereas it increases vulnerability to climate change in the food and water sectors. The results, however, reject the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis between industrialization and VCC. These results are robust to the change in industrialization measures. Therefore, African countries would benefit from pursuing their industrial development through greater use of renewable energy. This can help them to sustainably reduce their VCC. In addition, they need to implement specific measures to adapt to climate change in the food and water sectors.

Industrialization, FDI Inflow and Climate Change in Africa: A Scenario Analysis

Despite their promises of wealth creation, productivity increase, and improved living circumstances in Africa, industrialization, and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have the potential to endanger the continent’s climate, particularly given the nature of energy intensity and associated emissions connected with their expansion. Thus, this study empirically examined the extent to which industrialization and FDI inflows contribute to the predictability of climate change in Africa, focusing on the top 10 greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting countries on the continent with data spanning from 1990 to 2023. Employing a bias-adjusted ordinary least square estimation technique, we considered both in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts that include several scenario analyses. We reveal both industrialization and FDI inflows as significant predictors of climate change in Africa but with varying degrees of environmental threats. This provides the foundation for, among other things, the suggestion that African continental and sub-regional bodies consider the need for differences in climate commitment strategies across the region based on the varying nature and magnitude of manufacturing intensity and FDI inflows, as well as associated GHG emissions and the nature of climate change vulnerability.

Does energy consumption matter for climate change in Africa? New insights from panel data analysis

Africa, abundant in natural resources, faces growth challenges due to widespread energy poverty and heightened biofuel use with severe environmental impacts. Recognizing the connection between energy consumption and climate change is crucial for implementing sustainable solutions and establishing guidelines for future energy practices amidst the adverse effects of climate change on the continent's ecosystem. To this effect, the present study examines the effect of energy consumption on climate change in African countries from 2004 to 2019. Employing the Discroll and Kraay estimation technique and the Generalized Method of Moment on secondary data, the results indicate that Energy Use as kg of oil, Fossil Fuel Energy Consumption, and Energy Depletion positively and significantly affect Climate change. At the same time, Renewable Energy Consumption reveals a correcting effect on climate variations in Africa. The results are valid for other climate change measures and are robust to endogeneity control. Based on the results, applicable economic policies are proposed regarding the efficient and optimum use of various energy sources for Africa's clean and sustainable climatic conditions.

A Review of Energy Demands and its’ Implication on Climate Change in Africa

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. Communities around the world are already feeling its effects, and the situation is only expected to get worse in the future. One of the sectors particularly vulnerable to climate change's effects is the energy sector. In many African countries, the energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. This makes African countries particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change, as the availability of fossil fuels is expected to decrease in the future because of climate change. This could lead to higher energy prices and a decrease in the availability of energy. In addition, climate change is expected to have a significant impact on hydropower, which is another important source of energy in many African countries. Changes in rainfall patterns could lead to lower river levels and reduced hydroelectric power generation. This could have a severe impact on the availability of energy in African countries. The effects of climate change on the energy sector are likely to have a knock-on effect on the wider economy. Higher energy prices could lead to inflation and a decrease in the availability of energy which could lead to blackouts and a decrease in production. This could have a devastating impact on the economies of African countries. The effects of climate change on the energy sector are likely to be very damaging for African countries. These countries need to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and to adapt their energy systems to cope with the changes that are expected to occur. This review outlines the climate change impacts on the energy sector in African countries and recommendations to mitigate the effects of climate change impacts.

Introducing African-led Innovation to tackle the challenges of climate change in Africa

Introducing African-led Innovation to tackle the challenges of climate change in Africa

A Rapid Review of Impact Assessment of Climate Change on Health and Mental Well-Being in Africa

Despite widespread global attention, the potential threats to human health posed by climate change in Africa still need to be further understood. Although there is mounting concern that climate change is a serious risk to human health, less evidence shows a direct causal relationship between climate change and health risks in Africa. In this rapid review, we discuss our synthesis of available evidence on the health implications of climate change with a focus on Africa. PubMed was systematically searched for relevant articles from 2020 to 2023 using a search strategy. Only eligible articles published in the English language with full article access were included for review using the population concept context (PCC) criteria by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). After removing duplicates, the selection process began with title and abstract screening, followed by screening full-text articles. Of the 3272 articles retrieved, only 10 were eligible for synthesis. We found mainly reported climate exposures to range from drought, concerning rainfall patterns, and increasing temperatures reported to cause morbidity and mortality through health risks: respiratory diseases, vector-borne diseases, cardiovascular diseases and mental health concerns. Africa still has a huge shortage of available evidence, particularly research focusing on the health implications, including mental health of climate change and interventions to prevent climate change-related health consequences. While the limited global evidence indicates that climate change results in an increased risk to public health, there are gaps in demonstrating the causal links between climate change and societal mental health impacts in Africa. There is also an urgent need for more research on effectively addressing climate hazards that threaten the African continent's public health and well-being.

Less negative impacts of climate change on crop yields in West Africa in the new CMIP6 climate simulations ensemble

Food insecurity is among one of the greatest risks posed by climate change in Africa, where 90 to 95% of African food production is rainfed and a large proportion of the population already faces chronic hunger and malnutrition. Although, several studies have found robust evidence of future crop yield losses under climate change scenarios, there is wide variation among crops and regions as well as large modeling uncertainties. A large part of this uncertainty stems from climate projections, as climate models may differ in simulating future changes in precipitation and temperature, which could lead to different future crop production scenarios. This work examines the impacts of climate change on crop yields of maize, millet and sorghum in West Africa using climate change projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5th Phase (CMIP5) and from the new generation of climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6th Phase (CMIP6). We use the SIMPLACE crop modeling framework to simulate historical and future crop yields, and bootstrap techniques to evaluate projected changes in crop productivity between the CMIP5 and CMIP6 ensembles. Using the new generation of climate models CMIP6, we find that the negative crop yield projections shown by CMIP5 simulations are largely reduced, with even large increases in crop yields when the effect of atmospheric CO2 concentration is considered in the crop model. These differences in crop yield impacts between the CMIP5 and CMIP6 simulations are mainly due to different climate projections of temperature and precipitation in West Africa; CMIP6 projections being significantly wetter and cooler by mid-century and to a lesser extent by the end of the century. Such results highlight the large uncertainties that remain in assessing the impacts of climate change in the region and the consequent difficulty for end-users to anticipate adaptation strategies.

Evaluating the Efficiency and Feasibility of Renewable Energy Technologies in Combating Climate Change in Africa

This study examines the efficacy and viability of renewable energy technologies in addressing climate change in Africa. The research utilizes a thorough examination of literature, including academic journals, reports, and policy documents, to provide an enhanced understanding of the effectiveness and practicality of renewable energy technologies in mitigating climate change in Africa. The study finds that Africa has significant untapped renewable energy potential that can contribute to sustainable development and expand access to electricity. It evaluates the efficiency of various renewable energy technologies, such as photovoltaics, wind turbines, hydroelectric power plants, and geothermal systems, considering factors such as energy conversion efficiency, scalability, and reliability. Economic considerations, including investment costs, regulatory frameworks, and development pathways, are also analyzed to determine the feasibility and economic viability of renewable energy technologies. The study emphasizes the challenges posed by climate change in Africa, particularly in relation to energy access disparities and the vulnerability of climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening renewable energy policies and regulations, enhancing research and development, promoting public-private partnerships, prioritizing off-grid solutions, focusing on climate change adaptation and resilience, and investing in capacity building and skills

Spatial and Temporal Variability of Rainfall in South-central Senegal: Example of the Fatick and Kaolack Regions

One of the manifestations of climate change in the Sahel is a decrease in rainfall, which has led to a sharp decline in water potential in the south-central Senegal. The objective of this study is to understand the changes in rainfall through time and space, in the south-central Senegal (Fatick and Kaolack regions), to better plan water management for sustainable development. The rainfall data used ranges from 1961 to 2020 for the sites of Gossas, Foundiougne, Guinguineo and Nioro, and from 1951 to 2020 for the sites of Fatick and Kaolack. Pettitt and Buishand break tests were used to detect changes in rainfall patterns, Hubert segmentation was used to highlight sub-periods within the time series, and Standardized Precipitation Indices (SPI) were used to highlight deficits and surpluses. The results of break tests and Hubert segmentation show a decrease in average rainfall between the 1960s and 1970s, and an increase between the 1990s and 2000s, for some of the sites. The decrease in the 1960s and 1970s was early in sites in the Fatick region (Gossas, Fatick and Foundiougne) and late or absent in the Kaolack region (Guinguineo, Kaolack and Nioro). As for the increase in the 1990s and 2000s, it was first observed in the south and center of the study area in the 1990s (Nioro and Kaolack). In the 2000s, the increase was observed further north (Fatick and Gossas). The Standardized Precipitation Index shows reduced rainfall for 1971-2000 compared to the surrounding periods. Coefficient of variation values show that dispersion is lowest in the wetter years 1950 for two sites (Fatick and Kaolack), 1990 and 2000 for four sites (Gossas, Foundiougne, Guinguineo and Nioro). The highest coefficients of variation were detected in the drought years 1960, 1970 and 1980 for these four sites (Gossas, Foundiougne, Guinguineo and Nioro). This is not the case at the Fatick site, where the coefficients of variation for the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s are higher than those for 2000 and 2010. Coefficients of variation increase in the 2010s at five sites (Kaolack, Gossas, Foundiougne, Guinguineo and Nioro). The highest coefficients of variation were recorded in 2010 in Gossas, Guinguineo and Nioro. The decrease in average rainfall from the 1960s to the 1990s, and the increase in the 1990s and 2000s detected in most of the study sites, corroborates results of other studies from West and Central Africa.

The Influence of Political Systems on Climate Change Policy Implementation in Africa

Climate change presents significant challenges to Africa, exacerbating existing difficulties such as poverty, food security, and insufficient infrastructure. This study aims to explore the influence of political systems on climate change policy implementation in African countries. A systematic literature review approach was employed to gather and analyze relevant studies from academic journals, reports, and policy documents. The synthesis of the findings indicates that political systems, including democratic, authoritarian, and decentralized systems, play a crucial role in determining the success of climate change policy implementation across the continent. Key challenges such as corruption, political instability, weak governance structures, and lack of financial resources hinder effective policy implementation. However, opportunities exist for improving policy implementation, such as regional cooperation, international support, and integrating climate change into national development plans. The study recommends strengthening democratic processes, enhancing regional and international cooperation, addressing corruption and strengthening governance structures, integrating climate change considerations into national development plans, and enhancing capacity at the local level. These recommendations aim to facilitate a united global endeavor to address the intricate challenges of climate change in Africa.

Are transport networks in low-income countries prepared for climate change? Barriers to preparing for climate change in Africa and South Asia

Climate change, through extreme weather events and slow onset climatic changes, disrupts the operation of transport networks, and those in low-income countries (LICs) across Africa and South Asia are particularly vulnerable to climate change. This paper explores the barriers that LICs face across Africa and South Asia regarding preparedness of transport infrastructure to climate change, with the intent of addressing the knowledge gaps and consequential needs of LICs to support the delivery of more climate-resilient transport. Literature on climate change adaptation and transport resilience among LICs is reviewed to identify the broad challenges and barriers regarding climate change adaptation. Semi-structured interviews with 13 transport stakeholders across Africa and South Asia were also conducted to understand the challenges specific to the transport sector in the regions. Several barriers were identified, including a lack of data and knowledge on climate change impacts, design and prioritisation of remedial actions, budgeting and planning for climate change, and identifying and engaging with stakeholders. Findings from this paper and the wider research project it comprises inform policy guidance that calls for greater national and international coordination to develop practical, relevant and usable data, tools, advice and support for some of the most at-risk transport networks to climate change in the world.

How Can Girls’ Education and Family Planning Improve Community Resilience to Climate Change in the Sahel?

Population growth and climate change are currently the two greatest threats to food security in the Sahel region of Africa. The population of the countries that make up the Sahel is projected to nearly double by 2050, from 506 million to 912 million. Paired with the expected rise in temperature and increased frequency of extreme climatic events, these numbers could quickly overwhelm relief efforts. Strengthening human capital and economic stability are critical to prevent catastrophic suffering. This article recommends two evidence-based approaches that expand women’s autonomy and support their income-earning potential while building resilience to climate change. The first recommendation, would be greater investments in adolescent girls’ education and autonomy, including efforts to delay marriage and childbearing. The second calls for an improvement in the availability and quality of reproductive health services, with a special focus on voluntary family planning. These interventions can increase incomes, reproductive autonomy and gender equity which build community resilience and adaptability to climate change.