2025-05-01 JOURNAL OF WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE 2025 16(卷), 5(期), (1831-1862页)
This study evaluates climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts across 12 African countries: Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Benin, Ethiopia, Comoros, Malawi, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya. Using a systematic review guided by the PRISMA framework, 257 peer-reviewed studies were analyzed and grouped into key themes: climate-related disasters, biophysical vulnerabilities, socio-economic impacts, national adaptation plans, and adaptation measures. The findings confirm that climate change is already affecting these countries. Uganda, Ethiopia, and Malawi face severe flooding and droughts, highlighting the need for early warning systems combining satellite data and community monitoring. Mali and Senegal are battling desertification, calling for reforestation and sustainable land practices. Agriculture in Nigeria, Kenya, and Mali is impacted by droughts, necessitating resilient crops and improved irrigation. The study stresses the importance of regional cooperation, especially for transboundary risks like Congo Basin floods, and scaling up climate finance in countries like Ghana and Sierra Leone. Strengthening health systems is also vital to combat climate-sensitive diseases. Common barriers include weak institutional capacity, limited funding, and low public awareness. The review calls for integrated, context-specific strategies and stronger collaboration to enhance resilience across Africa.