Climate Change Literacy: A Synthesis of the Evidence in Africa

Climate change poses a persistent challenge for developing countries. Climate change literacy has been proposed as a critical first step to fostering sustainable behaviors that can bolster the resilience of the poor against the climate crisis. However, the evidence on the level of climate change literacy and how it is measured across Africa is not well-known. This chapter examines the current state of research on climate change literacy and the nature of interventions and programs to improve knowledge, understanding, and engagement with climate-related issues. The chapter draws on a review of literature and surveys to evaluate the state of research on climate change literacy in Africa and the potential of policy interventions to nudge climate change knowledge. The chapter also explores the importance of tailoring programs to different demographic groups to drive climate change literacy on the African continent. In terms of findings, we find limited interventions aimed at improving climate change literacy, and so far, the focus of the research has been on second-level questions regarding perceptions of climate change and the provision of weather information to improve resilience. Comprehensive climate change knowledge or literacy resources and training are required at the decentralized level to inform adaptation choices for different groups and drive resilience on the continent.