Addressing Mitigation of and Adaptation to Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa While Meeting Development Goals

The document argues that sub-Saharan Africa is disproportionately vulnerable to climate change due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture and limited institutional capacity, yet it contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights a tension between the high initial costs of carbon-efficient development and immediate poverty reduction needs. The author proposes 'development-led' and 'no-regrets' approaches—such as the Mad’Etole wind project in Madagascar—to align environmental sustainability with economic growth. The paper also examines financial mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) as tools for funding, while noting that international financial support for adaptation has remained insufficient.

• Sub-Saharan Africa faces severe climate-induced risks, including water stress for 75 to 250 million people by 2020 and potential agricultural yield decreases of up to 50% by 2050.
• There is a stark disparity between Africa's contribution to global emissions and its vulnerability; while the continent represents 11% of the world's population, it is responsible for less than 3% of fossil fuel emissions.
• Within Africa, emissions are highly concentrated, with 95% of carbon dioxide emissions coming from only 15 of the 53 African Union member states, and South Africa alone accounting for 39% of the continent's emissions.
• African governments often view climate obligations as being in tension with development goals because transitioning from low-cost fossil fuels, such as coal, to carbon-efficient paths is extremely costly.
• Effective adaptation is hindered by a lack of funding and data; poor countries may require $86 billion annually by 2015 for adaptation and $44 billion for 'climate-proofing' investments.
• The author advocates for 'no-regrets' and 'co-benefit' approaches that address both development and climate needs, citing a wind energy plant in northern Madagascar that reduces electricity costs and creates jobs while providing carbon-neutral power.
• International financial responses to adaptation have been inadequate, with only approximately $26 million paid out from mechanisms like the Least Developed Country Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund, representing less than a tenth of the $279 million pledged.

APA

Chevallier, R. (2008). Addressing Mitigation of and Adaptation to Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa While Meeting Development Goals. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/saia_sayia_climate_change_2009.pdf

Chicago

Chevallier, Romy. Addressing Mitigation of and Adaptation to Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa While Meeting Development Goals. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2008. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/saia_sayia_climate_change_2009.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Chevallier |first1=Romy |title=Addressing Mitigation of and Adaptation to Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa While Meeting Development Goals |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=2008 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/saia_sayia_climate_change_2009.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{chevallier2008addressing, author = {Chevallier, Romy}, title = {{Addressing Mitigation of and Adaptation to Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa While Meeting Development Goals}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2008}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/saia_sayia_climate_change_2009.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }