A recent article by Daka, E. (2023) titled “Adopting Clean Technologies to Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review” published in Environmental Management by SpringerLink shows that renewable technology transfer is a key factor in enabling the adoption of clean technologies.
This study delves into the pivotal role that clean technologies play in mitigating the challenges posed by pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation across Africa. The study scrutinizes the influence of clean technologies on both the environment and the livelihoods of the populace. Grounded in a meticulous examination of 34 studies within the realm of environmental sciences, the study sheds light on the predicament of deforestation and the utilization of wood fuel in Africa. It elucidates how these practices contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and associated health hazards.
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Renewable technology transfer is crucial for clean technology adoption in Africa, facing barriers requiring infrastructure, financing, and policy support– Daka, E. 2023
The study underscores the potential of renewable energy-based clean technologies, such as enhanced cookstoves and solar panels, to not only curtail emissions but also foster improved health outcomes and poverty alleviation. It delves into the prevailing barriers and opportunities pertaining to the transfer, adoption, and policy support for clean technologies in the African context. Additionally, the research identifies a critical gap in the existing literature, which underscores the imperative for further studies to explore the broader effects of clean technologies on both the environment and the well-being of the population.
How the Study was Conducted
The author employed a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify and examine pertinent peer-reviewed articles on the subject of clean technologies and climate change adaptation strategies in Africa. Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines (Moher et al., 2009), they implemented a standardized protocol for the screening, data extraction, and synthesis processes. In terms of their search strategy, the authors utilized four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) and employed a combination of keywords related to clean technologies, climate change, and Africa. Additionally, the author incorporated snowballing and citation tracking techniques to uncover supplementary articles. The selection criteria applied by the authors encompassed articles that fulfilled the following conditions: (1) published in English between 2000 and 2019, (2) centered on clean technologies and climate change adaptation in Africa, (3) employed empirical or theoretical methods, and (4) presented insights into the impacts, challenges, or opportunities of clean technologies on both the environment and livelihoods. For data extraction and analysis, the authors utilized a predefined template to gather information such as title, authors, year, journal, country, technology, climate change issue, research method, and main findings from the selected articles. Subsequently, the author employed a descriptive and thematic analysis of the data to discern common themes, identify gaps, and recognize trends within the literature.
What the Authors Found
The author found that renewable technology transfer is a key factor in enabling the adoption of clean technologies, but it faces barriers such as a lack of infrastructure, financing, and policy support. Climate change adaptability is a crucial aspect of clean technologies, as they need to be suitable for the local context and resilient to changing climatic conditions. The study posits that climate policy is an important driver for promoting clean technologies, but it requires coordination and cooperation among different stakeholders, such as governments, donors, and communities. The study also found that technology adoption is influenced by various social, economic, and cultural factors, such as awareness, affordability, availability, and preferences of the users. The authors also identified a gap in the literature on the impact of clean technologies on the environment and people’s well-being and proposed a tool for planning and monitoring such effects.
How is this Important
The study explains how the unsustainable use of wood fuel for heating and cooking contributes to forest and environmental degradation, air pollution, and climate change in Africa. It also discusses the health and social impacts of these problems on the population. The study reviews the literature on how renewable energy-based clean technologies can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environment and livelihoods in Africa. It identifies four key areas of research: technology transfer, climate change-adaptability, climate policy, and technology adoption. The study reveals a literature gap on the impact of clean technologies on the environment and people’s well-being in Africa. It proposes a planning tool that would facilitate the implementation and monitoring of clean technology interventions. It also suggests further research to incorporate this tool and evaluate its effectiveness.
What the Authors Recommend
- The authors propose planning a tool that would facilitate the assessment of how clean technologies are improving the environment and people’s well-being in Africa and suggest further research to incorporate monitoring its effectiveness.
- The authors highlight the need for more research on how to facilitate the transfer and adoption of clean technologies in Africa, especially in rural areas, and also emphasize the importance of involving local communities and stakeholders in the process.
- In addition, the authors stress the role of policy and governance in promoting the use of clean technologies and addressing the challenges of climate change in Africa and calls for more collaboration and coordination among different actors and sectors at the national and regional levels.
In conclusion, this comprehensive exploration underscores the critical role of clean technologies in addressing the multifaceted challenges of pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation in Africa. The study, rooted in a meticulous systematic literature review, sheds light on the profound impacts of unsustainable practices such as deforestation and wood fuel use, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. By delving into the barriers and opportunities surrounding technology transfer, adoption, and policy support, the research highlights key considerations for fostering a cleaner and more resilient future. The findings accentuate the potential of renewable energy-based clean technologies, presenting a pathway towards reduced emissions, improved health outcomes, and poverty alleviation. However, the study also reveals existing gaps in understanding the broader effects of clean technologies on the environment and well-being, signaling a crucial need for further research and a proposed planning tool to assess and monitor these impacts. As we navigate the intersection of climate change, clean technologies, and policy, collaboration emerges as a central theme. Engaging local communities and stakeholders and fostering coordinated efforts at national and regional levels are crucial steps toward effective implementation. The study’s recommendations for continued research, innovative planning tools, and inclusive governance serve as a valuable guide for shaping a sustainable and resilient future in the face of environmental challenges in Africa.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
