Africa stands to be disproportionately affected by climate change compared to other regions in the world despite the fact that is has the lowest contribution to carbon emissions. As the world seeks to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero targets across different economies and markets, a lot more can be done to engage African consumers and empower them to be informed stakeholders in these efforts.
Research data provides powerful insights into how climate change is impacting everyday life. Evidence based strategies are providing measurable success in driving solutions that are not only positive but transformative in how we as human beings are engaging the risks and challenges of climate change in the world around us. It therefore stands to reason that the keys to climate smart responses and responsible, sustainable consumption in Africa must be led by data and Insights.
Our work as data and insights partners for brands, businesses and public benefits entities in over 20 African countries gives us a vantage view of the different research approaches that inform innovative, inspiring and impactful actions by different actors. From our decades long experience doing research in Africa, the following top 3 research studies are both popular and effective among clients in acquiring actionable insights from African consumers and households.
Quantitative Surveys
Both computer aided telephone surveys (CATI) and Face to face (F2F) surveys are effective tools in gathering primary data on how climate change is affecting households and livelihoods. Questionnaires that inquire on how individuals and households are adjusting to changes in weather patterns and climate related events including economic and social impacts of climate change on health and wellbeing can help round out our practical understanding of climate and human behavior in localized contexts.
Understanding how individuals and households perceive and respond to climate change can give insights into what factors are likely to shape current and future consumption habits. When coupled with Case studies, in-depth understanding of how climate change is influencing cultural norms, governance and society as a whole in different regions around the continent is not only possible but powerful in driving sustainable and responsible change.
Long term studies that monitor households over months or years have the potential to provide both depth and breadth of insight into the cumulative effects of climate on human activity. Tracking changes in living conditions, household income and expenditure or even dietary habits provides evidence backed information into how populations across different African countries are adapting and coping with the effects of climate change.
These research methods can be combined with other forms of research such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), energy and water consumption analysis to provide a comprehensive assessments of climate change impacts and design rewarding adaptation and mitigation strategies. Given the global collective challenge climate change presents, interdisciplinary collaborations are key to successful outcomes in Africa.