- English
Non-economic loss and damage (NELD) associated with climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical yet under-assessed dimension of climate risk, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Africa. This study presents an analytical framework for synthesizing evidence from a systematic literature review conducted under the ASCEND initiative, with a focus on understanding how NELDs are generated, experienced, and addressed across key sectors including agriculture, health, and human mobility.
The analysis is guided by four core objectives: (1) to examine how loss and damage occurs and how African systems are affected; (2) to identify who is currently experiencing loss and damage; (3) to explore how these impacts may evolve in the coming decades; and (4) to assess the scale and distribution of loss and damage, including associated costs and affected populations. Drawing on a structured data extraction matrix applied through Covidence, the study outlines how qualitative, quantitative, and semi-quantitative data from the literature can be systematically analyzed to generate robust insights.
The findings emphasize the importance of analyzing causal pathways linking climate hazards, exposure, and vulnerability to both economic and non-economic losses. While the literature provides strong evidence on impact mechanisms and affected populations—particularly smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and marginalized groups—significant gaps remain in understanding future trajectories and the distributional dimensions of loss and damage. To address these gaps, the study highlights the need to complement systematic review findings with secondary datasets, including climate projections, disaster databases, and socio-economic indicators.
Methodologically, the paper proposes a combination of thematic synthesis, descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and systems-based approaches such as causal pathway mapping and network analysis. It also emphasizes the value of innovative data visualization techniques—including heat maps, Sankey diagrams, and causal loop diagrams—to enhance interpretability and policy relevance.
The study contributes to advancing methodological approaches for NELD assessment by bridging qualitative insights with quantitative evidence and highlighting the role of equity, vulnerability, and non-climatic drivers in shaping loss and damage outcomes. The proposed framework supports more integrated and policy-relevant analyses, enabling stakeholders to better understand the complex, multi-dimensional nature of climate-induced losses in Africa and to design more targeted and equitable response strategies.
- English
