Youth Participation in Climate Action in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges, Gaps and Prospects

Douglas Nyathi ORCID iD, Joram Ndlovu ORCID iD & Thembelihle Nyathi ORCID iD 

Issue: Vol.6 No.14 Article 45 pp.4008 – 4022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561445 | Published online 30th December, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Views: 116
295 Downloads

DOWNLOAD PDF

This study explores the intricate barriers and potential pathways to achieving meaningful youth engagement in climate action across Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim was to critically examine the socio-structural factors that either hinder or facilitate effective participation. Employing a comprehensive desktop study methodology, this research synthesizes and analyzes a broad range of existing academic literature, policy reports, and documented case studies from the region. The key findings indicate that young people encounter a multifaceted set of barriers, including a significant lack of awareness of climate change processes and institutional frameworks, inadequate access to funding and knowledge resources and a severe reduction in their adaptive capacities. This is because they are among the most vulnerable groups, experiencing direct impacts on their health, food security and livelihoods. The discussion suggests that these interconnected challenges create a cycle of exclusion that hinders equitable participation in climate governance. Consequently, NGOs, governments and research institutions should move beyond symbolic consultation and actively collaborate to co-create inclusive platforms, provide dedicated resources, and integrate youth directly into the design, implementation, and monitoring of adaptation and mitigation strategies. This study’s primary contribution to scholarship is a synthesized, critical framework that explicitly frames youth exclusion as a core climate justice issue within the African context, offering a foundation for future empirical research and equitable policy development.

Keywords: Youths, Participation, Climate Action, Vulnerability, Resilience 

Adams, S. “ The Vital Role of Young People in Governance Processes.”  Accountability, 2023.

African Development Bank. African Development Bank 2019 Annual Report: From Experience to Knowledge and Learning. Abidjan: African Development Bank, 2019.

Ajayi, O C, and P L Mafongoya. Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Climate Change Management in Africa. CTA, 2017.

Akintola, L., R. Kobusinge, M. Tilley, S. Nabukenyaa, J.T. Madhier, and P. Ngeh. “ African Youth at the Crossroads of Climate Change Mobility.” IOM UN Migration, 2024.

Ampaire, Edidah L., Laurence Jassogne, Happy Providence, Mariola Acosta, Jennifer Twyman, Leigh Winowiecki, and Piet van Asten. “Institutional Challenges to Climate Change Adaptation: A Case Study on Policy Action Gaps in Uganda.” Environmental Science & Policy 75 (September 2017): 81–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2017.05.013.

Amponsem J., D. Doshi, A. I. Salazar Toledo, L. Schudel, and S. Delali-Kemeh. Adapt for Our Future: Youth and Climate Change Adaptation. Rotterdam and Washington, DC., 2019.

Bamba, I., et al. “ Coastal Erosion and Climate Change: Youth-Led Initiatives in The Gambia.” West African Environmental Journal 9, no. 2 (2020): 104–17.

Barford, A., R. Proefke, A. Mugeere, and B. Stocking. “Young People and Climate Change.”  The British Academy COP26 Briefings, 2021.

Barros, R., C. Leite, A. Monteiro, A. Lopes, P. Fernandes, and M. Rodrigues. Models of Youth Participation Handbook, 2020.

Bassey, R., and S. Nath. “ How Disasters Have Gendered Impacts on the Climate Migration and What Youth Can Do about It: The Case of Pakistan.” IOM UN Migration, 2024.

Boko, M., I. Niang, A. Nyong, C. Vogel, V. Githeko, M. Medany, B. Osman-Elasha, R. Tabo, and P. Yanda. “‘Africa.’ In Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.” edited by M.L. Parry, O.F. Canziani, J.P. Palutikof, P.J. van der Linden, and C.E. Hanson, 433–67. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2007.

Bonell, Ana, Jainaba Badjie, Sariba Jammeh, Zakari Ali, Muhammed Hydara, Adesina Davies, Momodou Faal, Aliyu Nuhu Ahmed, William Hand, and Andrew M Prentice. “Grassroots and Youth-Led Climate Solutions from the Gambia.” Frontiers in Public Health 10 (2022): 784915.

Chan, S., S. Singh, K. Chang, P. Tailor, M. Joshi, M. Mohan, and J. Amponsem. “Young People and Drivers and Barriers to Climate Adaptation Action.”  Report. Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Kai Analytics, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Rotterdam, Ahmedabad, Vancouver, Copenhagen, 2021.

Chanza, Nelson, and Anton De Wit. “Enhancing Climate Governance through Indigenous Knowledge: Case in Sustainability Science.” South African Journal of Science 112, no. 3–4 (2016): 1–7.

Chawla, L., and D. Cushing. “Environmental Education and Youth Activism: Paths toward a Sustainable Future.”  Journal of Environmental Education 38, no. 3 (2007): 7–12.

Chikova, H. “The Zimbabwe Youth Act: An Alternative Youth Empowerment Instrument for Real and Meaningful Development.”  YETT, 2020.

Chimtom, N. K., and S. Frohlich. “Africa’s Youth Demand More Climate Action.”  Nature and Environment, 2023.

Chitundu, Kabwe, Lonia Mwape, and Concepta Kwaleyela. “Community Attitudes towards Child Sexual Abuse: A Case of Chawama Lusaka, Zambia.” Open Journal of Psychiatry 10, no. 01 (2020): 25–37. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojpsych.2020.101004.

Corney, Tim, Trudi Cooper, Harry Shier, and Howard Williamson. “Youth Participation: Adultism, Human Rights and Professional Youth Work.” Children & Society 36, no. 4 (2022): 677–90.

D’Amico, E. “Stitching a Sustainable Future: Policy Interventions for Youth, Migration, and Climate Change in Bangladesh’s Garment Industry.”  IOM UN Migration, 2024.

Dupar, Mairi, Emma Lovell, O Walmsley, V Diwakar, C Balcou, B Tesfaye, and V Krishnan. “Resilient Generation: Supporting Young People’s Prospects for Decent Work in the Drylands of East and West Africa.” Overseas Development Institute, London, UK, 2021.

Emediegwu, Lotanna E, Ada Wossink, and Alastair Hall. “The Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Spatial Panel Data Approach.” World Development 158 (2022): 105967.

Fisher, S. R. “ The Emerging Role of Youth in Global Climate Governance.” Global Environmental Politics 19, no. 3 (2019): 1–10.

Frank, M. “Creating Inclusive Policies: A Guide for Effective Development. Inclusion and Diversity Acceleration.” Emberin, 2024.

Guivarch, C., N. Taconet, and A. Mejean. “Linking Climate Change and Inequality. Finance and Development Magazine.” IMF, 2021.

Halder, A. The Role of Youth in Mitigating Climate Risk. IOM, 2024.

Ijjasz-Vasquez, E., and A.U. Ordu. “Breaking Silos between Think Tanks and Youth Groups for Climate Change Action in Africa.” Brookings, 2022.

Ingaruca, M. “Aiming Higher: Elevating Meaningful Youth Engagement for Climate Action.” UNDP, 2022.

International Organization for Migration (IOM). “ Youth Migration and Climate Change in the Sahel: Challenges and Opportunities.”  International Organization for Migration, 2021.

Jafino, Bramka Arga, Stephane Hallegatte, Bramka Arga Jafino, Julie Rozenberg, and Brian Walsh. “Revised Estimates of the Impact of Climate Change on Extreme Poverty by 2030,” 2020.

Justice, A.O. “Increasing Youth Participation in Climate Action.” United Nations, 2020.

Kosciulek, D. “ Strengthening Youth Participation in Climate-Related Policymaking.”  Policy Briefing 225. South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), 2020.

Lorenz, Usue. “Enhancing Young People’s Individual Skills and Knowledge. The Case of Vulnerable Youth Participating in Co-Creative Policymaking in Housing in the City of Barakaldo.” Frontiers in Sustainable Cities 5 (2023): 1098313.

Luft, Julie A, Sophia Jeong, Robert Idsardi, and Grant Gardner. “Literature Reviews, Theoretical Frameworks, and Conceptual Frameworks: An Introduction for New Biology Education Researchers.” CBE—Life Sciences Education 21, no. 3 (2022): rm33.

Mackey, M., B. Parlee, and C. Karsgaard. “Youth Engagement in Climate Change Action. Case Study of Indigenous Youth at COP24.” Sustainability, MDPI 12, no. 16 (2022): 6299.

Malo, I, and G. Nwamadu. “Green Technology and Youth Employment in Africa: A Transformative Opportunity [Internet]. AFRI,” 2024.

Matarira, Dadirai, Onisimo Mutanga, and Timothy Dube. “Landscape Scale Land Degradation Mapping in the Semi-Arid Areas of the Save Catchment, Zimbabwe.” South African Geographical Journal 103, no. 2 (April 6, 2021): 183–203. https://doi.org/10.1080/03736245.2020.1717588.

Mbegu, Stewart. “The Role of Professionalism in Managing Conflict at the Workplace.” OALib 05, no. 11 (2018): 1–5. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1105014.

Miller, Daniel, Laila Abed Rabho, Patrick Awondo, Maya de Vries, Marília Duque, Pauline Garvey, Laura Haapio-Kirk, et al. “Book Notes: The Global Smartphone: Beyond a Youth Technology.” European Journal of Communication 36, no. 5 (October 6, 2021): 542–43. https://doi.org/10.1177/02673231211045280b.

Modeer, U., and V.W. Otieno. “ Tapping into the Power of Young People for Climate Action.”  UNDP, 2022.

Moyer, J., and A. J. Sinclair. “ Learning for Sustainability: The Role of Education in Shaping Youth Engagement with Climate Change.” Environmental Education Research 26, no. 2 (2020): 153–69.

Mpungose, L. “ Africa’s Diverging Approaches to Youth Inclusion and Participation.” South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), 2020.

Mugambi, P. “ Climate Change and Youth Livelihoods in Kenya: The Role of Youth in Agricultural Adaptation.”  Nairobi Environmental Journal 8, no. 3 (2020): 45–59.

Mugeere, A., A. Barford, and P. Magimbi. “ Climate Change and Young People in Uganda: A Literature Review.” The Journal of Environment & Development 30, no. 4 (2021): 344–68.

Mulugetta, Y., et al. “Youth Participation in Climate Policy in South Africa: The Role of Youth-Led Initiatives in Sustainable Development.” Environment and Development Journal 27, no. 4 (2020): 312–27.

Munyede, Paradzai, Delis Mazambani, and Jakarasi Maja. “Enhancing Youth Participation in Local Governance: An Assessment of Urban and Rural Junior Councils in Zimbabwe.” Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, no. 24 (2021): 124–35.

Nhamo, Luxon, Bekithemba Ndlela, Sylvester Mpandeli, and Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. “The Water-Energy-Food Nexus as an Adaptation Strategy for Achieving Sustainable Livelihoods at a Local Level.” Sustainability 12, no. 20 (October 16, 2020): 8582. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208582.

Nyathi, Douglas, Joram Ndlovu, Nombeko Ncube, and Keith Phiri. “The Dynamics of Promoting Youth Participation in Smallholder Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security in Lupane District, Zimbabwe,” 245–58, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98617-9_15.

O’brien, Karen, Elin Selboe, and Bronwyn M Hayward. “Exploring Youth Activism on Climate Change.” Ecology and Society 23, no. 3 (2018).

OECD. OECD Economic Outlook, Volume 2024 Issue 1. Vol. 2024. OECD Publishing, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1787/69a0c310-en.

Ogunleye, E.K. “ Leveraging Potentials of the Youth for Inclusive, Green and Sustainable Development in Africa.”  African Development Institute (ADI), 2023.

Omotoso, A. B., and A. O. Omotayo. “Climate Change and Farming: Economists Warn More Needs to Be Done to Adapt in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Prevention Web, 2023.

Park, Mi Kyoung. “Promoting Youth Participation in Decision-Making and Public Service Delivery through Harnessing Digital Technologies.” UN DESA Policy Brief No.149. United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs., 2023.

Pereznieto, P., J. Rivett, and V. le Masson.  Ending Violence against Children While Addressing the Global Climate Crisis.  London: Overseas Development Institute, 2020.

Population Council and Women Deliver. How Climate Change Is Shaping Young People’s Livelihoods and Educational Opportunities. Policy Brief No. 1. New York: Population Council, 2023.

Rahmaty, Masooma, and Jimena Leiva Roesch. “Youth Participation in Global Governance for Sustaining Peace and Climate Action.” International Peace Institute (IPI), 2021.

Rashid, S. “Rising up: How Youth Are Leading the Charge for Climate Justice.” UNDP, 2023.

Roberts, I. “ Rising Voices: The African Youth’s Fight for a Sustainable Future.” Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), 2023.

Sachs, J., et al. “The Role of Youth in Advancing Climate Justice.” Environmental Policy & Governance 30, no. 2 (2020): 113–28.

Sasu, D. D.  Climate Change in Africa-Statistics and Facts. Statista, 2024.

Shamiso, M, A Karishina, and E Gulugulu. “African Youth Needs for Climate Action Report.” Bonn: YOUNGO. Available Online [Pdf](Accessed 29 February 2024), 2023.

Simons, A. “Enhancing the Capacity of Youth to Adapt to Climate Change Impacts and Other Development Calamities in Africa. Climate Change Adaptation Framework and Youth Entrepreneurship in West Africa.” Springer Nature, 2022.

Tellus. “Increased Brand Responsibility & Transparency. Following Sustainability .” What Can YOU Do? , August 14, 2023. https://whatcanyoudo.earth/tellus-blog/increased-brand-responsibility-transparency-following-sustainability/.

Thomaes, Sander, Stathis Grapsas, Judith van de Wetering, Jenna Spitzer, and Astrid Poorthuis. “Green Teens: Understanding and Promoting Adolescents’ Sustainable Engagement.” One Earth 6, no. 4 (2023): 352–61.

Udeh, I. D., et al. “The Nigerian Youth Climate Coalition: Advocacy and Impact on Policy.” Journal of Climate and Development 12, no. 2 (2020): 99–112.

  1. The State of Youth and Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa. United Nations: Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2020.

UNFCCC. “ United Nations Climate Change: Annual Report 2020. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement,” 2020. https://disasterlaw.ifrc.org/media/3327.

UNICEF. “ The Role of Youth in Climate Action.” UNICEF Policy Brief, 2020.

———. “Children Displaced in a Changing Climate. Preparing for a Future Already Underway,” 2023.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “Elevating Meaningful Youth Engagement for Climate Action.” Climate Promise, 2022.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “ Five Ways Young People Are Contributing to Their Communities,” 2023.

———. “ What Is Climate Change Adaptation and Why Is It Crucial,” 2024.

———. “SELECT Project Report: Youth Participation to Sustain Peace during Electoral Processes 2021–2024,” 2023.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). “What Is Good Governance?,” 2009.

United States Agency International Development (USAID). “ Adaptation and Governance.” ARCC, 2014.

Viswanathan, G. “ Climate Change Can Have Lifelong Impacts on Young People’s Mental Health.” CNN, 2023.

Walinski, Annika, Julia Sander, Gabriel Gerlinger, Vera Clemens, Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, and Andreas Heinz. “The Effects of Climate Change on Mental Health.” Deutsches Ärzteblatt International 120, no. 8 (2023): 117.

Wathuti, E. “ Green Generation Initiative: A Youth-Led Solution to Climate Change in Kenya.” Nairobi Environmental Journal 8, no. 1 (2021): 24–37.

Willima, D., and D. Naidoo. “ Youth and the Rising Climate Threat to Africa’s Coastal Communities.”  Institute for Security Studies (ISS), 2024.

Zetterli, P. “Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Financial Inclusion: A New Agenda.”  CGAP. Research and Analysis, 2023.

Zhang, Yingxin, Deniz Ikiz Kaya, Pieter van Wesemael, and Bernard J Colenbrander. “Youth Participation in Cultural Heritage Management: A Conceptual Framework.” International Journal of Heritage Studies 30, no. 1 (2024): 56–80.

Douglas Nyathi is a scholar and development practitioner whose work centres on climate resilience, rural livelihoods, and decolonial development in Southern Africa. He brings extensive experience in research, policy analysis and community-focused programming. His scholarship is driven by a commitment to social justice, inclusive development, and transformative knowledge production.

Joram Ndlovu is an Associate Professor in the School of Arts at the University of KwaZulu‑Natal. His prolific scholarly contributions include numerous publications across interdisciplinary domains, including but not limited to tourism enterprises, digitalization, destination branding, cultural and heritage tourism, and social well-being. Prof. Ndlovu’s research interests are particularly focused on the intricate intersections of livelihoods, climate change, and indigenous knowledge systems. He critically investigates how indigenous communities utilize traditional ecological knowledge to navigate and adapt to environmental challenges. His scholarly interests delve into the mechanisms by which these communities leverage their cultural heritage and knowledge to foster resilience against climate-induced disruptions.

Thembelihle Nyathi is an upcoming researcher. Her work focuses on rural development, gender analyses and climate-change adaptation, for example, co-authoring studies on community nutrition gardening as a climate resilience strategy. She engages with issues of food security, livelihood resilience and gender-equitable climate action in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nyathi, Douglas, Joram Ndlovu and Thembelihle Nyathi. “Youth Participation in Climate Action in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges, Gaps and Prospects.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 14 (2025): 4008 -4022, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561445

© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Articles in this Issue

About Journal