Contributions of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Climate Change Adaptation in Sub-Sahara Africa

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributes very little to overall global climate change. Yet the region is likely borne with the highest consequences of climate change, with substantial percentages of the global disability adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to its effects. The impacts of climate change are likely to be more prevalent in poor communities in the region where capacity to adapt and address vulnerabilities is limited. This study examines the strategies that are available for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in contributing to climate change adaptation in SSA. Based on review of several studies of practices that boost SMEs’ ability to reduce the vulnerability of expected climate change conditions in twelve SSA countries, the study argued that through their involvement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, SMEs could be the central pivot in which the fight against climate change can be achieved. The study concludes that government policies should complement SMEs’ independent response to climate change through the provision of financial incentives, improvement of infrastructure and policies that enhance local governance and harmonize SMEs’ CSR activities for achieving sustainable development in Sub Sahara Africa.
Key Words: Climate Change, Adaptation, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, CSR, Sub-Sahara Africa