The Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN) organizes weekly and monthly research reviews where African scholars and policy makers share their research findings and outputs with reviewers and peers. Through this platform researchers have access to peer learning that enable them to understand the state of research gaps and needs. Due to COVID-19 the reviews are carried out virtually.
Introduction.
Climate change’s effects on air quality in developing economies is a complicated and critical concern with major implications for equality, economic growth, and public health. For governments to address this issue, coordinated efforts at all levels of government are required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality monitoring and administration systems, and help vulnerable populations develop their capacity for adaptation. On March 22, 2024, Mr. Peter Waswa, MSc. Hydrology-Rhodes University gave insights on the above topic during the ARIN Friday Review.
Vital Messages
Health Impacts. Climate change-related poor air quality has serious health implications, especially in developing nations with constrained access to healthcare. Heart disease and respiratory illnesses like asthma can worsen when exposed to air pollutants including tiny particles in the air and ozone. These health effects, which disproportionately affect vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and low-income communities, can lead to higher healthcare expenses, reduced income, and even premature deaths.
Increased Pollution. Air pollution can become more intense due to climate change in several ways. For instance, an increase in temperatures can cause chemical reactions involving pollutants from industry, cars, and other sources that result in ozone formation at ground level, a potentially dangerous pollutant. Furthermore, weather patterns may vary due to climate change, resulting in more intense and frequent wildfires that emit large volumes of pollutants into the atmosphere.
Economic Consequences. The economic impact of air pollution caused by climate change is enormous in emerging economies. Besides raising healthcare costs, low air quality can lower economic productivity by increasing employee inefficiency and unavailability. Furthermore, industrial sectors like agriculture and tourism could be negatively impacted by crop failures, due to extreme weather conditions, harm to biodiversity, and a decline in tourists as a result of concerns about the health hazards associated with air pollution.
Policy Challenges. Effective legislative policy frameworks and international collaboration are vital to effectively address climate change’s effects on air quality in developing nations. However, due to a lack of funding, organizational vulnerability, and conflicting development strategies, developing countries are often unable to put effective measures and policies into practice. To support these nations in embracing new technology, enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems, and increasing their resilience to the effects of climate change, international cooperation, and assistance are crucial.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, quick and concerted action to cut emissions and enhance air quality is required due to the impact of climate change on the quality of the air in developing countries. We can all look forward to a healthier and more sustainable future if we work together to put sustainable solutions into effect.
ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE RISKS, URBAN HEALTH SYSTEM VULNERABILITY, AND INDIVIDUAL ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN AFRICAN CITIES: A CASE STUDY OF N’DJAMENA, CHAD.
Introduction
Urban health systems are seriously at risk from climate change, especially in African cities. The capital city of Chad, N’Djamena, is the subject of this case study, which explores the relationship between individual adaptation efforts, the susceptibility of urban health systems, and climatic threats. Due to its position and climate, N’Djamena, the capital city of Chad, is extremely vulnerable to various climatic hazards. These are N’Djamena’s main climate-related risks. The lecture was presented by Dr. Atchade Assouhan Jonas, Research Associate at Africa Research and Impact Network on April 05, 2024.
Key Messages.
Extreme Temperatures. Rising Temperatures: N’Djamena has year-round high temperatures, with peak values frequently reaching 40°C (104°F). Climate change is causing the city to experience increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. Severe heat worsens pre-existing medical issues like respiratory and cardiovascular disorders and raises the risk of illnesses caused by heat, existing health problems like respiratory and cardiovascular disorders worsen and raise the risk of illness caused by heat including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Flooding: Due to its proximity to the Chari and Logone rivers, N’Djamena experiences seasonal flooding from June to September. When these rivers overflow due to heavy rains, widespread flooding may result. Flooding has the potential to cause havoc to vital infrastructure, such as hospitals, as well as residences and highways. Additionally, it impedes access to necessary services and transportation. Flooding can lead to contaminated water supplies, which can spread waterborne illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
Aging and inadequate health facilities. To manage the growing number of patients during climate-related events like heatwaves and floods, many of N’Djamena’s healthcare facilities are outdated and ill-equipped. The population size does not correspond with the number of healthcare facilities, which causes overcrowding in the hospitals and lengthy patient wait times. Inadequate upkeep of healthcare facilities frequently leads to worsening conditions that impede the efficient provision of services.
Geographical barriers. Many people find it difficult to get healthcare facilities, particularly those who live in remote and low-income areas, due to poor road infrastructure and transportation-related issues. There is frequently an unequal distribution of healthcare services, with access being better in towns and cities than in rural and semi-urban areas. This difference is especially noticeable in emergencies when rapid medical attention is essential.
Housing modifications. Many locals are building homes on stilts or raised platforms to avoid water damage during the rainy season to combat floods. More resilient building materials, including brick and concrete, are being used more frequently because they can resist harsh weather conditions. To lower inside temperatures and lessen the effects of intense heat, the dwellings are designed to maximize natural ventilation.
Agricultural adaptation. Diverse crop cultivation boosts resistance to climate variability and lessens reliance on a single crop. This involves growing crop varieties that are resistant to drought and mature quickly. Implementing crop rotation and mulching as agricultural conservation strategies to preserve the moisture and nutrients of the soil, and creating communal gardens as a means of improving food security and offering a consistent supply of fresh produce.
Conclusion.
N’Djamena as a case study emphasizes the critical necessity for coordinated strategies to address vulnerabilities in the health system and climate threats. The city can become more resilient to the negative impacts of climate change by enhancing its health infrastructure and putting adaptation methods into practice.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ECOSYSTEM ADAPTATION AS A STRATEGY FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION AROUND FOREST-CENTRIC ECOSYSTEMS: CASE OF KAKAMEGA FOREST
Introduction.
Forests are important in mitigating climate change as they act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. Human activities like over-exploitation, encroachment, and pollution are degrading these vital ecosystems and are reducing their ability to provide vital goods and services essential to human well-being. Forest-adjacent communities advocate for resilient forest ecosystems and employ Nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change and increase forest cover. This review sought to profile the community groups around Kakamega Forest and the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) they employ to adapt to climate change and increase the forest cover. It also highlights the importance of community-led initiatives for sustainable forest management and climate change adaptation as presented by Dr. Humphrey Agevi on 09-02-2024.
Key Messages.
Alternative sources of livelihood within the community. There were several initiatives including bee-keeping, mushroom farming, tree nurseries, energy cook stoves, climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and agroforestry among others that have been adopted by the community as a strategy for mitigating deforestation. These initiatives have proven successful to some extent and at the same time noted some gaps that if strengthened, then could increase community resilience to climate change effects.
Sustainability of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Projects. The sustainability of locally-led Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) projects is a crucial aspect to consider during implementation. This can be optimized by building the capacities of communities and maintaining adequate coordination among groups to effectively engage in these Nature-based Solutions. It is important to involve local communities in their development and implementation, as well as to promote their ownership and participation.
Support of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Projects as climate-resilient initiatives. It is important to ensure that community projects promoting EbA as a climate-resilient initiative have access to climate finance. Exploring climate finance mechanisms, engaging with private sector actors, promoting innovative financial instruments, and leveraging international funding sources could further enhance the promotion of EbA.
Support Sustainable Forest Management practices. The promotion of sustainable utilization of forest resources by forest-adjacent communities through the establishment being members of the community forest associations (CFAs) presents an opportunity to enhance forest ecosystem resilience and promote climate change adaptation which are critical to the provision of critical ecosystem services that support human well-being. This approach enables these communities to improve their livelihoods by leveraging the products derived from the forest ecosystems, while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of forests for future generations.
The need to Develop Effective Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks. It is important to have effective Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems in place when implementing Ecosystem-based Adaptation interventions. These systems will help assess the outcomes and impacts of the EbA interventions, which can be used for adaptive management and decision-making.
Ensure equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms and empower communities to actively participate in decision-making processes. This is crucial for promoting sustainable development and ensuring that all stakeholders are fairly represented and involved in the decision-making process. By engaging with the communities and creating opportunities for them to participate in decision-making, we can help ensure that their voices are heard and that they receive a fair share of the benefits that come from the EbA initiatives.
Conclusion
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) also known as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) harnesses biodiversity and ecosystem services. This greatly reduces vulnerability and builds the resilience of human communities to climate change. Adopting the various approaches like conservation, sustainable management, and restoration of ecosystems, will strengthen the effectiveness and resilience of EbA round forest ecosystems and also contribute to the sustainable management of forests while enhancing climate change adaptation outcomes.
