African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability

Forest Ecosystems and Climate Change in Ethiopia: Challenges and Adaptive Solutions: Review Article

2025-07-11T12:44:48+00:00

The review article, "Forest Ecosystems and Climate Change in Ethiopia: Challenges and Adaptive Solutions," explores the critical interrelations between Ethiopia's forest ecosystems and climate change. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of adaptive strategies, particularly community-based forest management and agroforestry, within climate resilience. A systematic literature review was conducted, encompassing 69 studies published since 2020, to evaluate the multifaceted impacts of climate change on forest health, deforestation drivers, and existing policy frameworks. The results reveal that Ethiopia's forests face severe threats from climate change, including shifts in biodiversity and an increase in deforestation driven by agricultural expansion and illegal logging. Despite initiatives like the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy and the Green Legacy Initiative, challenges persist, including inadequate policy enforcement, land tenure issues, and socio-economic pressures that hinder effective conservation. The conclusion emphasises the necessity for integrated, community-focused strategies and enhanced policy coherence to address these barriers. The findings suggest that strengthening local governance, securing land rights, and exploring alternative livelihood options are essential for sustainable forest management in Ethiopia. Overall, this review provides insights that are vital for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to bolster forest resilience and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.

Assessment of the Causes and Effects of Deforestation in Lakes State of South Sudan

2025-07-16T19:39:03+00:00

Deforestation is a serious global challenge which adversely affects the environment, human well-being and climate stability, especially in fragile ecosystems and threatens environmental resilience worldwide. Trees are important for the provision of forest products such as food and medicines and the regulation of temperatures, as well as preventing soil erosion and water loss in Lakes State. The objective of this study is to assess the causes and effects of deforestation in Lakes State of South Sudan, as well as the effectiveness of existing laws and policies in the governance of forest resources. This study employed a descriptive research design and purposive sampling was used to select 80 key informants who included forest officers, local farmers and community leaders. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings from the study reveal that the main causes of deforestation include cutting down trees for economic activities such as logging, expansion of subsistence agriculture, demand for fuel wood, urban expansion and recurrent wildfires. The effects include declining agricultural productivity, biodiversity loss, such as teak and mahogany, increased soil erosion and increased vulnerability of the community to the impacts of climate change. Even though there is the existence of forest laws and policies, their enforcement is weak due to inadequate public awareness and institutional capacity. Deforestation is occurring at an alarming rate and, if unaddressed, will adversely affect the environment and livelihoods. The study recommends that the government and relevant stakeholders implement alternative energy programs and stringent enforcement of forest conservation laws and policies. Promotion of the use of alternative energy, such as hydroelectric, solar and wind energy, could reduce reliance on wood-based energy sources, thus mitigating the effects of deforestation and climate change in Lakes State.

People’s Perception of Climate change, climate variability, and Coping Strategies in South Sudan: The Case of Sudd Wetland

2025-07-16T19:39:04+00:00

In this study, coping mechanisms and instrumental records were used to examine people's perceptions of climate change and variability. Data from 387 individuals were gathered by questionnaire. Furthermore, six focus group discussions were organised. Gridded data on temperature and precipitation were gathered from four stations between 1979 and 2014. The metrological parameters, including temperature and Sun heat periods, were measured and compared with the perception of the residents during the settlement in the 1920s. The perception result showed that both the minimum and the maximum temperatures were changing and rising. .99.5% of respondents reported an increase in solar heat and variability in the onset and cessation of rains, while 51% of respondents said the climate was unpleasant. As a result, we accept the alternative hypothesis, H0 = 0, which states that the residents of the research area were aware of climate variability and change, and reject the null hypothesis, H0 = 0. The Standard Precipitation Index showed that there were more dry spells than wet ones. The results of the Chi-square test showed a strong correlation between coping mechanisms and perceptions of variability and climate change. According to the study's findings, humans have primary and supplementary coping mechanisms for dealing with climate fluctuation and change. In addition to planned adaptation based on current local coping techniques, the study advises policymakers and development partners to establish climate-smart Agriculture solutions that are suitable at the Payam level.

Determinants of Variations in Drought Vulnerability among Cattle Keeping Households in Migori County

2025-07-24T19:31:04+00:00

Cattle keeping plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and fulfilling socio-cultural functions in both developed and developing regions. However, most cattle in these regions are often raised under extensive production systems, making them highly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions. Among the most pressing challenges facing cattle production in sub-tropical regions is drought, which leads to severe water scarcity and depletion of grazing resources, resulting in reduced cattle productivity, increased susceptibility to diseases and, in extreme cases, high mortality rates. This study examined variations in drought vulnerability among cattle-keeping households in Migori County. In semi-arid areas of Migori County, cattle keeping plays vital economic and socio-cultural roles but is increasingly affected by drought-related challenges such as water scarcity, pasture depletion, and livestock diseases. The study was conducted in Nyatike and Kuria West Sub-Counties of Migori County, selected for their diverse agro-ecological zones affecting livestock farming. Data were collected through structured household questionnaires, key informant interviews, and direct observation, with a stratified sample of 383 households proportionately drawn from four wards. The study found that decreased pasture (χ² = 249.335, p = 0.000), reduced milk yield (χ² = 211.607, p = 0.000), and water-related stressors such as declining water points (χ² = 188.864, p = 0.000) and increased distance to water (χ² = 97.545, p = 0.000) were the most significant factors influencing drought severity among cattle-keeping households. Emaciation of livestock and increased incidences of cattle diseases also showed significant associations, though perceptions varied. Low cattle prices were significant but unevenly experienced. These findings underscore the importance of ecological factors over economic ones in shaping household drought vulnerability. Households with limited income sources and heavy dependence on cattle were more susceptible to drought effects, while those engaging in diverse livelihood activities showed greater resilience. Environmental stressors and inadequate access to resources further exacerbated vulnerability. The study underscores the importance of integrated interventions such as water infrastructure development, improved veterinary services, and livelihood diversification to enhance household resilience

The Readiness of Coffee Stakeholders to Comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulations in Kyarumba Sub-County, Kasese District, Uganda

2025-07-24T19:31:04+00:00

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) introduces new sustainability requirements that affect Uganda’s agricultural and forestry exports. This study investigates the level of readiness among key stakeholders in Kyarumba Sub-County, Kasese District, to comply with the EUDR. Through interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, the study finds that while there is growing awareness of environmental compliance, most local stakeholders lack the technical, financial, and institutional capacity to meet EUDR requirements. Recommendations are made for targeted capacity building, government support, and inclusive policy design to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the global shift toward deforestation-free value chains

Combined Effects of Climate Variability, Socioeconomic Factors, and Indigenous Agroforestry on Agricultural Productivity and Livelihood Resilience in Wayu Tuka and Guto Gida Woredas, Ethiopia

2025-08-05T21:17:19+00:00

This study explores the combined impacts of climate variability, socioeconomic factors, and indigenous agroforestry practices on agricultural productivity and livelihood resilience among 400 smallholder farmers in Wayu Tuka and Guto Gida Woredas, Oromia, Ethiopia. Climate variability, marked by a 10–20% decline in rainfall and a 1.85°C temperature increase over the period from 1955 to 2023, poses significant challenges to rain-fed agricultural systems, leading to reduced crop yields, degraded soil fertility, and diminished water retention capacity. These changes threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who depend on crops such as maize, teff, and sorghum, as well as livestock rearing, for their sustenance and income. The research integrates quantitative and qualitative methods, utilising household surveys, climate data spanning 1998 to 2022, and key informant interviews to assess how these factors interact. Analytical tools, including multiple linear regression, random forest regression, and ANCOVA, were applied using R software with packages such as stats, randomForest, ggplot2, and corrplot to model relationships between variables. Findings reveal that socioeconomic factors, particularly education and larger family sizes, significantly enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity, enabling better adoption of resilience strategies. However, gender disparities limit women’s engagement in agroforestry, with male farmers showing higher adoption rates due to greater access to land and resources. Indigenous agroforestry systems, incorporating tree species like Eucalyptus globulus, Faidherbia albida, and Acacia decurrens, contribute substantially to household income, accounting for 34.35% through timber, fodder, and ecosystem services such as soil fertility enhancement and water retention. Agroforestry ranks as the third most effective adaptation strategy, following new crop varieties and livestock diversification, as evidenced by correlation matrices and income diversification charts. These systems stabilise agricultural productivity during climate shocks, particularly droughts, which affect 78.8% of farmers. The study emphasises the need for gender-inclusive policies to address disparities in agroforestry adoption, alongside increased investment in education to bolster adaptive capacity. Recommendations include scaling up agroforestry extension services, particularly for nitrogen-fixing species, and aligning interventions with Ethiopia’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy strategy to promote sustainable livelihoods. By integrating climate-smart agroforestry with socioeconomic empowerment, this research highlights pathways to enhance resilience in climate-vulnerable rural communities, contributing to sustainable development goals related to food security, climate action, and ecosystem restoration.

Adoption of Drought-Resilience Agricultural Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Luwero District, Central Uganda

2025-08-12T18:25:35+00:00

This study investigated the adoption of Drought-Resilient Agricultural Technologies (DRAT) among smallholder farmers in Luwero district. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of adoption of DRAT, identify factors influencing adoption, evaluate the importance of farmer groups and social networks and examine the impact of DRAT on socio-economic outcomes, and explore challenges to adoption and potential mitigation strategies. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through a survey to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 311 households. The findings revealed that 63% of households had adopted at least one form of DRAT, with agroforestry and conservation agriculture being the most common practices. The adoption of DRAT was significantly influenced by access to agricultural information (Chi2 = 92.17, P < 0.001), land tenure systems (Chi2 = 9.99, P = 0.036), and farm size (Chi2 = 9.99, P = 0.033). The education level of the household head has a marginal influence (67.9% adoption among those with no formal education, Chi2 = 7.92, p = 0.094). Participation in farmer groups and social networks significantly enhanced knowledge and access to resources, with 70% of respondents acknowledging the importance of such groups. The impact of DRAT on socio-economic outcomes was substantial, with 95.38% of households experiencing a significant increase in crop yields, 91% reporting an increase in household income, and 94% noting improved food security. However, challenges such as a lack of access to credit and insufficient knowledge and training were significant barriers to adoption. In conclusion, the study highlighted the positive impact of DRAT on agricultural productivity and household resilience. Recommendations include enhancing access to agricultural information, improving infrastructure, and providing financial support to farmers. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of DRAT, strategies to overcome cultural resistance, and the role of government policies in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Assessment of the Level of Awareness of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Mwingi West Sub-county, Kitui County, Kenya

2025-08-22T15:06:45+00:00

Smallholder farmers in Mwingi West Sub-county, Kitui County, rely heavily on rainfed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to climate change. Although Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) provides a sustainable approach to enhance productivity, resilience, and reduce emissions, its adoption in the region remains limited. This study assessed the level of awareness of Climate-Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices among smallholder farmers in Mwingi West Sub-county. The CSA practices considered included conservation agriculture (CA), mulching, water harvesting, irrigation technologies, integrated pest management (IPM), agroforestry, weather-based agro-advisories, inorganic fertiliser use, zai pits, and soil conservation structures. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 393 randomly selected smallholder farmers, with the sample size determined using Yamane’s formula. In addition, purposive sampling was used to select seven agricultural extension officers and eight farmer groups for key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression in SPSS v26. The results showed that 83.2% of farmers were aware of CSA, yet significant disparities existed in sources of information, training participation, and knowledge of specific practices. These variables were statistically associated with CSA adoption at p < 0.05. To enhance CSA adoption, the study recommended strengthening extension services and baraza platforms to deliver regular, practical training; improving the use of digital tools such as radio, TV, SMS, and WhatsApp for timely information dissemination; and encouraging the formation of farmer groups to support peer learning and localised knowledge exchange.

Impact of Agricultural Financial Services Accessibility on the Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Mwingi West Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya

2025-08-26T21:15:12+00:00

Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and food security in Kenya, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where smallholder farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture. Increased climate variability, characterised by erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, has undermined rural livelihoods and exposed limited adaptive capacity. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) offers a promising path to resilience, but its adoption is heavily influenced by access to agricultural finance, a persistent challenge for rural farmers. This study examined how access to financial services affects CSA adoption among smallholder farmers in Mwingi West Sub-county, Kitui County, Kenya. Key factors analysed included financial awareness, credit access, proximity to financial institutions, group membership, and barriers to service utilisation. CSA practices assessed were conservation agriculture, mulching, water harvesting, irrigation, integrated pest management, agroforestry, weather advisories, inorganic fertiliser use, zai pits, and soil conservation structures. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 393 randomly selected farmers and key informants through interviews and focus group discussions. Statistical analysis, chi-square and binary logistic regression using SPSS v26, showed that while 64.9% of respondents were aware of financial services, only 13% had accessed them. Major barriers included low financial literacy, lack of collateral, high interest rates, and poor accessibility. Awareness of financial services was significantly associated with CSA adoption (p = 0.000), as were distance to institutions (p = 0.022), type of financial services (p = 0.001), ease of access (p = 0.000), and group membership (p = 0.003). The study recommended that, to boost CSA adoption, financial institutions provide tailored loans with flexible collateral and interest terms. Additionally, the government and partners should strengthen financial literacy and expand financial access through mobile and agent banking, especially in remote areas.

Assessment of the Effect of Drought on Cattle Keeping Households in Migori County

2025-08-27T20:07:58+00:00

Cattle keeping plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and fulfilling socio-cultural functions in both developed and developing regions. However, most cattle in these regions are often raised under extensive production systems, making them highly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions. Among the most pressing challenges facing cattle production in sub-tropical regions is drought, which leads to severe water scarcity and depletion of grazing resources, resulting in reduced cattle productivity, increased susceptibility to diseases, and, in extreme cases, high mortality rates. This study assessed the effects of drought on cattle-keeping households in Migori County. In semi-arid areas of Migori County, cattle keeping plays vital economic and socio-cultural roles but is increasingly affected by drought-related challenges such as water scarcity, pasture depletion, and livestock diseases. The study was conducted in Nyatike and Kuria West sub-counties of Migori County, selected for their diverse agro-ecological zones affecting livestock farming. Data were collected through structured household questionnaires, key informant interviews, and direct observation, with a stratified sample of 383 households proportionately drawn from four wards. The abstract claims Masaba was affected by diseases, but Table 2 shows Masaba had only 19% disease reports compared to Muhuru’s 54%. Cattle mortality stood at 37%, and nearly 90% of households reported some degree of cattle emaciation, indicating widespread nutritional stress. Masaba and Kanyarwanda Wards experienced the most severe declines in production and cattle prices, while Muhuru, despite high disease and emaciation rates, reported more stable cattle prices, suggesting stronger market structures or fewer distress sales. This study highlights the significant impact of drought on cattle health, production, and market dynamics across Migori County. To mitigate these impacts, the study recommends strengthening veterinary services, enhancing market resilience, and integrating drought preparedness into livestock management and policy frameworks to protect livelihoods and improve resilience in the livestock sector.

Climate Change and Conflicts in Somalia

2025-09-11T18:32:37+00:00

This study explores how climate change intensifies resource scarcity and conflicts in Somalia. It highlights the impact of droughts and environmental degradation on pastoralist livelihoods, worsening competition for water and grazing land. Weak governance and ongoing political instability further exacerbate insecurity and violence in the region. This study emphasises the need for improved institutional capacity and sustainable livelihoods to address climate-induced conflicts in Somalia

Potentials of Water-Energy-Food Security Nexus Approach as an Option for Implementation of Climate Change Policies: A Perspective for Nigeria

2025-09-12T20:25:52+00:00

The increasing demand for essential resources such as water, energy, and food, driven by rapid population growth, urban expansion, and industrialisation, poses a significant challenge for developing countries, which is further exacerbated by climate change. Implementation of climate change policies, therefore, requires adequate consideration of the interconnection between water, energy, and food executed on synergies and managing tradeoffs, which most often is lacking in some developing countries like Nigeria. This paper assesses the relevance of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus approach and highlights its role in formulating sustainable climate policies. In this review, a narrative and exploratory approach was carried out through a literature search from international databases such as Google Scholar and Scopus to capture the full range of perspectives between the years 2002 and 2025 that have contributed to the emergence of the WEF nexus approach in formulating sustainable climate policies. Enhanced resource efficiency, improved resilience to climate change, reduced environmental degradation and innovation and technology development are some of the benefits of the WEF nexus approach. Given the intricate interconnections among these resources, integrating the WEF nexus into policymaking is essential for ensuring long-term resource security and sustainability. This approach fosters a comprehensive and strategic framework for embedding water, energy, and food considerations into climate governance

Corporate Environmental Awareness as a Prerequisite for Sustainable Practices in Large Manufacturing Firms: A Phenomenological Study in a Developing Economy

2025-09-23T09:26:39+00:00

This study investigates corporate environmental awareness efforts towards sustainability in large manufacturing firms. Qualitative data were collected from 22 environmental managers in 22 large manufacturing firms. The findings highlight significant insights on CEA grouped within internal and external environmental awareness. Insights indicate that sustainability practices are shaped by internal environmental awareness practices, including Employee sensitisation, Environmental SOPs, Internal environmental policy, and CEO awareness support. External environmental awareness practices include Customer sensitisation, Awareness for transparency, Collaborative awareness, and Supplier sensitisation. However, external environmental awareness is limited by finances. Findings contribute to stakeholder theory by indicating how firms can conform to these practices in creating awareness among different stakeholders. CEA internal and external practices feed into the affective, cognitive, conative, and active dimensions of environmental awareness at the firm/organisational level

Simulation d’une Crue Centennale pour la Cartographie des Zones de Dangers d’Inondations dans le Sous Bassin Versant du Mayo Tsanaga (Extrême-Nord, Cameroun)

2025-09-26T15:54:22+00:00

Les catastrophes d’inondations constituent de nos jours, l’un des problèmes majeurs auquel fait face l’humanité toute entière. C’est dans cette perspective que s’inscrit cet article sur la simulation d’une crue centennale pour la cartographie des zones de dangers d’inondations dans le sous bassin versant du Mayo Tsanaga (Extrême-nord, Cameroun). L’objectif de la présente étude est de cartographier les zones de dangers d’inondations à partir des résultats de la simulation d’une crue centennale. Une méthodologie basée sur l’analyse des séries pluviométriques (1982-2023), couplée aux analyses des images satellites (Alos Palsar DEM de 10 m de résolution, Airbus, Bing Satellite), nous a permis d’atteindre les résultats escomptés. Les principaux résultats montrent des vitesses d’écoulement comprises entre 0 et au-delà de 7,64 m/s, des hauteurs et des profondeurs d’eau parfois supérieures à 4 m, selon les endroits, dans la zone étudiée. La combinaison des hauteurs d’eau et des vitesses d’écoulement dans le sous bassin versant du Mayo Tsanaga, a permis de cartographier les zones de dangers d’intensité forte (1663 maisons) ; moyenne (1704 maisons) et faible (2551 maisons). Les recommandations suisses relatives à la gestion optimale des zones inondables précisent que les zones à forte intensité doivent être classées comme zones d’interdiction de construire, celles à intensité moyenne comme zones réglementées, et celles à faible intensité comme zones de sensibilisation. Les conclusions auxquelles nous sommes parvenues constituent, sans nul doute, un véritable outil d’aide à la décision visant à améliorer le cadre et les conditions de vie des populations résidant dans les zones à risque d’inondations dans le sous bassin versant du Mayo Tsanag

Championing Sustainability: Engaging Sports Stakeholders in Climate Change Mitigation

2025-09-29T18:24:48+00:00

Climate change today places sport in a delicate position: it is both at risk from rising temperatures, flooding, and poor air quality, and at the same time contributes to environmental pressures through energy-hungry stadiums, international travel, and mega-events. This paper explores how key actors such as athletes, federations, governments, fans, and sponsors can become powerful agents of climate action rather than passive participants in the crisis. Framed through human ecology, which shows how sport is bound to its natural environment, social capital theory, which emphasises the networks and trust that sport generates, and anthropological theory of ritual and performance, which explains how sporting events carry symbolic force and shape shared values, the study positions sport as a crucial arena for sustainability. Using qualitative data from the FEASSSA International Symposium and Participatory Action Workshop held in Kakamega, Kenya, in August 2025, and drawing comparisons with global events such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, and South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup, the paper demonstrates that sport can amplify climate literacy, promote green practices, and inspire resilience. However, challenges remain in the form of commercialisation, financial constraints, and weak policy frameworks. To move forward, the study recommends integrating sustainability into sports governance, investing in green infrastructure, building partnerships across governments and communities to strengthen grassroots initiatives, and using sport as a platform to teach and normalise climate-conscious behaviour, especially among young people.

Implications of Temperature and Rainfall Variability on Wheat Vegetative Health and Grain Yield in Narok County of Kenya

2025-10-03T18:35:34+00:00

This study investigated the implications of temperature and rainfall on wheat vegetative health and grain yield in Narok County, Kenya, using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and annual grain yield data as dynamic indicators of crop performance. Meteorological data were sourced from the Narok Meteorological Station in the form of monthly averages for temperature and rainfall for the period 1975 – 2022. Data analysis tools included correlation and regression techniques. May rainfall and minimum temperatures in April and June were found to significantly affect NDVI, while September minimum temperature, June maximum temperature, and March–May rainfall significantly influenced grain yield. Quantile regression revealed that rainfall in May consistently increased NDVI across 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, whereas June’s minimum temperature had a varied influence depending on the crop’s canopy density. Similarly, grain yield was positively associated with September minimum temperature and March-April-May rainfall, especially at low and high yield levels, while an increase in June’s maximum temperature significantly contributed to reduced yields across years. The findings reject the null hypothesis while confirming that wheat NDVI and grain yield are significantly influenced by climatic variables, particularly at distributional extremes. By integrating NDVI into the analysis, this research bridges a methodological gap, offering a more comprehensive assessment of climate impacts on crop performance beyond final yields. The study underscores the need for tailored agronomic and climate adaptation strategies that consider intra-seasonal climate variability and its differential effects on wheat health and productivity