CAA South-South Exchange Study released at conference in Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya – December 19, 2024
A notable study advocating for the integration of mental health into climate adaptation policies is making headlines across Africa, with media outlets like Modern Ghana News, News Ghana, Lusaka Times, and Kenya Corporate Watch covering its findings.
The report, conducted by the African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change (ACCRCC), highlights the escalating mental health challenges, such as eco-anxiety, depression, and PTSD, linked to extreme weather events in Sub-Saharan Africa. It underscores the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable groups, including Indigenous communities, women, and persons with disabilities.
Dr. Rosalind Nkirote, Principal Researcher at ACCRCC, stated, “Mental well-being is a vital, yet overlooked, aspect of climate action.” Recommendations from the study emphasize integrating mental health support into climate policies and adopting community-specific, gender-equitable interventions.
With over 237 participants across Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, the research calls for a Regional Framework to address the psychological toll of climate disasters while fostering resilience. Coverage from these media outlets amplifies the call for governments, donors, and practitioners to prioritize mental health in the climate resilience agenda.
As Dr. Erick Kwibihia of Uganda pointed out, “Tailored mental health solutions are essential to address the unique needs of our communities.”
Supported by Climate Action Africa (CAA) under the South-South Exchange initiative, the study involved 237 participants, with 54.4% women and 43.8% men. Findings underscore the urgent need for gender-equitable and socially inclusive strategies to address environmental stressors such as droughts, floods, and displacement. “This research highlights an urgent opportunity for governments, donors, and practitioners to act,” said Jaime Webbe, Project Director, Climate Action Africa. “Integrating mental health into the climate resilience agenda is essential.”
The study calls for a Regional Framework to integrate mental health into climate action, offering a path toward more equitable and sustainable communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The wide media attention highlights a critical moment for action to build sustainable, inclusive communities across Africa. This South-South Exchange is part of a Climate Action Africa effort to address Africa’s food insecurity, exploring the human-ecosystem interface, and gathering data on the relationship between the climate crisis and mental health and well-being. Learn more about the CAA South-South Exchange here.
About ACCRCC
The African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change advocates for the inclusion and integration of climate change considerations into various sectors, including mental health, agriculture, environment, security, population, health, education, finance, planning, and policy formulation. By addressing these interconnections, the coalition aims to alleviate burdens and promote sustainable development. Learn more.
About Climate Action Africa
Climate Action Africa mobilizes resources to help Sub-Saharan Africa countries increase their ambition and meet their obligations as Parties to the 2015 Paris Agreement and related UNFCCC commitments. Climate Action Africa is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, Econoler and WSP in Canada. Learn more.
