A new report has showed that investments in Africa’s infrastructure can make people and communities far more resilient to the threats posed by climate change.
Traditionally, financiers and developers have focused on risks to infrastructure such as transport, water and energy systems when considering climate resilience.
The report however called for an expanded focus on how infrastructure can most effectively contribute to the resilience of the communities and economies it serves, especially those most vulnerable to climate extremes.
The report, Africa Climate Solutions: Investing in infrastructure for climate resilience across Africa, was produced by the University of Exeter and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG).
Professor Richard Betts MBE, a lead author of the report, said climate hazards such as extreme heat and humidity, drought, heavy rainfall and sea-level rise, are increasingly seen across many parts of Africa.
“This will be more widespread and more severe in the coming decades. Millions of people in Africa are more vulnerable to these threats because they lack access to critical power, transport and water services, or rely on aging, overstretched or informal infrastructure,” he said.
The report noted that some areas in East Africa, Central and West Africa, are more likely to experience heavy rainfall and flooding.
Kenya is currently experiencing El Nino rains which has claimed 174 lives and left more than 60,000 people displaced. About 6,706 animals were lost and around 84, 568 acres damaged.
The National El Nino Emergency and Disaster Response Command Centre estimated damages to the agricultural sector amounting to Sh16.26 billion.
The worst-hit counties by El Nino were Lamu, Tana River, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Homa Bay and Kitui which pose a serious threat to food security.
The report further noted that while much of the continent will experience increasing heat stress, some areas including North Africa, Southern Africa and areas of the Sahara will be particularly prone to droughts.
Coastal flooding and wildfires are also likely to increase in some areas according to the report.
Given these growing threats, the report urged investors to gain a better understanding of which vulnerabilities need to be addressed, and which kinds of investment can be the most powerful in building resilience.
Anna Murphy, also a lead author, said when considering infrastructure investments for climate resilience, the focus needs to be on the people who use it.
“The most inspiring and effective solutions focus on people, yet tackle multiple issues simultaneously. I spoke with entrepreneurs building affordable solar-powered irrigation systems. The systems improve crop yields even in drought and bring clean power to communities,” she said, adding that this provides a cascade of education, information and economic opportunities.”
“Multi-purpose roads can be designed to mitigate flood risk and store water for use in drought periods. Or sewage sludge can be converted from a health risk exacerbated by flooding, into fuel, reducing business emissions and costs as well as deforestation and solving a health risk,” Murphy said.
The report added that climate resilience and sustainable development can be mutually beneficial.
“Considered together, they can trigger processes of change that widen and accelerate—going beyond incremental change to transform lives and ensure African economies continue to develop and grow in the face of climate hazards,” the report showed.
Tom Powell, another key author, said the challenge for investors is to use resources strategically to maximise climate-resilient development.
“By doing this, investment can drive processes and outcomes which can endure, self-sustain and cascade, even in the face of climate change. Such opportunities exist," he said.
Powel said in contrast to some other regions, Africa’s great need for new infrastructure creates the opportunity to leapfrog to an integrated approach, which delivers on sustainability, adaptation and resilience.
“Africa’s young, educated and entrepreneurial population is developing and scaling solutions which deliver development, adaptation and resilience simultaneously,” he added.
Philippe Valahu, from PIDG, said infrastructure financing at scale and pace in developing and emerging markets, is crucial to climate resilience and sustainable development. This is where these challenges are most urgent.
“Our report identifies the hazards and opportunities, and aims to redefine what investing in climate action means in Africa," Valahu said.
"Opening new avenues for investors and helping them make decisions that enable and accelerate climate-resilient development.”