AFRICAN PHILANTHROPY PRACTICE IN THE AGE OF ONGOING CLIMATE CHANGE
Introduction
African philanthropy is more than just giving money; it transcends beyond mere monetary donation. African philanthropy is all about creating sustainable change that benefits the entire community.
African philanthropy is characterized by diverse mechanisms for distribution and accountability that reflect its commitment to communal giving. For example, Harambee in Kenya means "all pull together", and it has become synonymous with the practice of communal giving in Kenya[1]. Similarly, Susu, also known as Tontine, Ajo, and Adaj in various parts of West Africa, embodies the value of cooperation and trust among community members who pool their resources to achieve common goals like starting a business, buying property, or paying for education or healthcare expenses[2]. In South Africa, “Stokvel” promotes financial stability and security among its members through regular saving and investment[3].
African philanthropy also includes modern forms of philanthropy such as corporate social responsibility, impact investing, and diaspora giving.[4] However, Giving in African societies is not merely an act of kindness; it is a moral obligation, a social responsibility, and a demonstration of our humanity. Communal giving and philanthropy are deeply rooted in the philosophy of African culture, extending beyond individual charity. It is based on the belief that communities should support one another and share resources to achieve collective well-being[5].
This tradition is particularly important as we Africans face disproportionate impacts from climate change that threatens our livelihood and survival. As the climate crisis continues to worsen, there is a pressing need to elevate the practices of African philanthropy and harness the potential of African youth to drive transformative change.
Climate change affects food security, water availability, health, and livelihoods, which has disproportionately impacted vulnerable groups like women and children. To protect and preserve African communities, it will require our collective efforts as Africans. By this, we mean engaging in philanthropy for Africa and by Africans.
Through a coordinated and accountable approach, African philanthropy can create a sustainable future for the continent and inspire a new generation of philanthropists to continue this rich tradition and make a positive impact on their communities. This is the driving purpose behind my essay.
Unravelling the Puzzle of Climate Change Injustice in Africa, Piece by Piece
Climate change is an existential threat, and Africa, a continent rich in culture, history, and natural resources, is facing devastating impacts from climate change, despite contributing only 2%-3% of global greenhouse emissions.
Greenpeace's recent report titled "Weathering the Storm: Extreme weather events and climate change in Africa" highlights the immediate and real consequences of climate change on the continent, including longer and more severe heatwaves, unpredictable rainfall, droughts, and the extinction of indigenous species. These impacts are leading to food insecurity, water scarcity, conflicts over resources, and health issues[6].
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has detailed how excessive rainfall over desert regions in Kenya has led to the worst locust swarms in 70 years and prolonged periods of high temperatures causing heat-related health issues and fatalities[7].
Communities in arid and semi-arid regions, coastal areas, and low-lying regions prone to flooding are particularly affected by climate change. Mozambique experienced two severe tropical cyclones, Idai and Eloise, within a span of two years (2019 and 2021), causing extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods[8]. Flash floods in the Central African Republic in 2019 affected thousands of people, causing severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and crops[9]. Kenya also faced a massive locust infestation in 2020, causing significant damage to crops and food security[10].
Additionally, pastoralist communities in Mali, Niger, and the Maasai community in Kenya and Tanzania have suffered from food insecurity and poverty due to droughts[11]. According to the United Nations, over 50 million people in Africa face food insecurity due to climate change, and this number is expected to rise in the coming years[12].
The Lake Chad region in West Africa has been experiencing a prolonged drought since the 1970s, leading to conflicts over water resources, loss of fisheries, and displacement of communities. Climate change is affecting Ethiopia's coffee production, which is a vital source of income for millions of small-scale farmers, while South Africa is experiencing more frequent and severe heatwaves, affecting public health and increasing the risk of wildfires. The city of Cape Town experienced a severe drought in 2018, leading to water scarcity and rationing. The 2019-2020 drought in Zimbabwe caused crop failure, leading to an estimated 5.5 million people requiring food aid[13].
Small-scale farmers in Kenya are particularly vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change, with billions of dollars in damages occurring each year. The use of fossil fuels is accelerating climate change in Africa, leading to a predicted increase of 3°C to 6°C in temperature by the end of the century. These effects are projected to result in a 30% decrease in food harvests in some parts of the continent over the next decade, with some areas already experiencing temperatures above the 1.5°C global benchmark[14].
The situation is dire, and immediate action is required to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in Africa. African world must take climate action to ensure a sustainable future for the continent and its people.
Assembling the Climate Puzzle: Solutions for a Sustainable Africa
Unlocking Africa's climate resilience potential hinges upon the pivotal role of national and regional policies. Across the continent, a multitude of African nations have rallied behind visionary strategies and action plans focused on low-carbon development and climate resilience; a prime illustration is Kenya's National Climate Change Action Plan[15].
At the regional level, the African Union's Agenda 2063[16] and the African Renewable Energy Initiative[17] promote sustainable development and address climate change impacts.
Internationally, African countries participate in global efforts through agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming[18]. However, challenges such as limited resources, institutional capacity, and coordination hinder the effectiveness of these policies.
The impact of climate change is profoundly affecting Africa, where droughts, floods, and extreme weather patterns are exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. Philanthropic organizations and individuals are stepping up to address the challenges posed by climate change on the continent.
One promising approach is to implement climate-smart agricultural practices, which can include using drought-resistant crops and improving irrigation systems, to help farmers adjust to changing weather patterns.
Another viable solution is to invest in renewable energy projects, such as solar power and hydropower, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions. Equipping communities with climate information services and promoting sustainable water management practices can also help alleviate the challenges of climate change.
Moreover, nature-based solutions, like reforestation and soil conservation, can aid in mitigating the impacts of climate change while promoting biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.
Technology is also playing a crucial role in addressing climate change, as seen in the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC)[19] and the use of blockchain technology to track transactions and ensure proper fund utilization.
Collaboration between local and international organizations is fundamental in mobilizing African communities to adapt to climate change. This includes supporting education and training, promoting gender equality, and ensuring that vulnerable populations are included in decision-making processes.
Overall, supporting communities most impacted by the effects of climate change will require a combination of innovative technological solutions and a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by these communities.
The Potential of the African Youth as the Key Piece in Climate Change Responses
The vibrant and energetic African youth represent a powerful force in the fight against climate change on the continent. Their active participation in philanthropic efforts is crucial for the long-term sustainability of these endeavours. With approximately 60% of Africa's population under the age of 25, the youth demographic holds immense potential for innovative and creative contributions to address climate change[20].
African youth are already leading the way in tackling climate change within their communities. Noteworthy examples include the "Greening Schools for Sustainable Communities" initiative, a collaboration between the African Union, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and other stakeholders[21]. This initiative aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices in schools across Africa. African youth have played a pivotal role in its implementation through activities like tree planting, waste management, and the formation of eco-clubs.
The "Youth Climate Movement" in Nigeria, founded in 2019 by a group of young activists, stands as a prime example of youth-driven climate advocacy[22]. This movement raises awareness about climate change and advocates for policy changes in Nigeria. Through protests, social media campaigns, and public awareness events, they emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change and inspire action among their peers and the wider community.
African youth are making remarkable contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation through entrepreneurial ventures. For instance, the "African Clean Energy (ACE)"[23] company was established by a group of young entrepreneurs in Lesotho. ACE produces affordable clean energy products such as solar-powered cookstoves and lighting systems, addressing energy poverty in rural areas. Such initiatives contribute to sustainable energy use and showcase the innovative potential of African youth.
Involving African youth in philanthropic efforts to address climate change is paramount for long-term sustainability. Their potential and innovative contributions must be harnessed to ensure a sustainable future for the continent. To overcome challenges such as limited access to funding, institutional support, and representation, it is crucial to prioritize the inclusion of African youth. Initiatives like the "African Youth Climate Hub," launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)[24], provide a platform for youth engagement in climate action and support youth-led initiatives.
By empowering African youth and incorporating their voices in decision-making processes, philanthropic organizations can drive meaningful social change and mitigate the impacts of climate change on the continent.
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My Final Thoughts
Africa's climate crisis knows no bounds, yet hope blossoms within the untapped potential of its youth. Philanthropy serves as the catalyst, igniting their innovative spirit, surmounting obstacles, and fostering unity. Technological marvels stand tall as beacons, illuminating the path towards impactful solutions.
Together, let philanthropy mould a brighter future, while Africa's youth shape a legacy of sustainability. Collaboration between philanthropic organizations, governments, and stakeholders is an undeniable imperative, it even surpasses our funding and coordination challenges.
Embracing renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-smart technologies, philanthropy emerges as the vanguard of change. Through strategic endeavours, African philanthropy propels social transformation and curbs the impact of climate change.
Undoubtedly, unwavering support for the African youth and their noble endeavours in combating climate change stands as the linchpin in forging a sustainable future for Africa.
Foot Notes & Bibliography
[1] Mwende M. M, (2010, October 5).?Harambee: The law of generosity that rules Kenya.?IEPA. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20201004-harambee-the-kenyan-word-that-birthed-a-nation/
[2] Samuel K. B, (2022, February). Mother, Here Is Your Stone: The Story of Susu in Ghana.
[3] LAYUP, (2022). The Meaning of The Traditional South African Stokvel. https://layup.co.za/the-meaning-of-the-traditional-south-african-stokvel/
[4]Jacob M. M, (2017 January 13). Philanthropy in Contemporary Africa: A Review. https://brill.com/view/journals/vrbr/1/6/article-p1_1.xml/
[5] Africa Social Work Network (ASWNet), (2022). African Theories of Social Work and Development. https://africasocialwork.net/african-theories-of-social-work/
[6] GREENPEACE Africa, (2023). Weathering the Storm: Extreme weather events and Climate Change in Africa. https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/weathering-the-storm-extreme-weather-events-and-climate-change-in-africa/
[7] GREENPEACE Africa, (2021 November 21). How climate change is affecting Africa right now, and what you can do about it. https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/blogs/50337/how-climate-change-is-affecting-africa-right-now-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/
[8] ReliefWeb, (2022 February 2). Mozambique, Africa | 2021-22 Floods and Cyclones - Revised Emergency Appeal. https://reliefweb.int/report/mozambique/mozambique-africa-2021-22-floods-and-cyclones-revised-emergency-appeal-n-mdrmz016/
[9] Norwegian Refugee Council, (2019 November 15). 57,000 people affected by severe flooding in Central African Republic. https://www.nrc.no/news/2019/november/flooding-in-bangui/
[10] The Guardian, (2020 May 15). Kenya's pastoralists face hunger and conflict as locust plague continues. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/may/15/kenyas-pastoralists-face-hunger-and-conflict-as-locust-plague-continues/
[11] Agriculture & Food Security, (2022 June 11). Food insecurity in pastoral communities of Ngorongoro conservation area, Tanzania. https://agricultureandfoodsecurity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40066-022-00374-5/
[12] United Nations Humanitarian Aid, (2022 July 22). Hunger still rising across East Africa, says new UN-backed report. https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/07/1123132/
[13] USAID, (2023). Food Security | Zimbabwe. https://www.usaid.gov/zimbabwe/food-security/
[14] Ibidem.
[15] Climate Change Laws of the World, (2018). National Climate Change Action Plan 2018-2022 (NCCAP). https://climate-laws.org/geographies/kenya/policies/national-climate-change-action-plan-2018-2022-nccap#:~:text=The%20Plan%20seeks%20in%20particular,manner%20as%20possible%2C%203)%20Enhance/
[16] The African Union Commission, (2018). Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. https://au.int/en/agenda2063/overview/
[17] AREI, (2022). Africa Renewable Energy Initiative. https://www.arei.info/eng/
[18] NDRC, (2021 February 19). Paris Climate Agreement: Everything You Need to Know. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/paris-climate-agreement-everything-you-need-know/
[19] KCIC, (2021). About - Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC). https://www.kenyacic.org/about-us/
[20] Cities Alliance, "Burgeoning Africa Youth Population: Potential or Challenge?" Accessed on May 27, 2023. Available at: https://www.citiesalliance.org/newsroom/news/cities-alliance-news/%C2%A0burgeoning-africa-youth-population-potential-or-challenge%C2%A0/
[21] UNEP, "Greening Universities Toolkit." Accessed on May 27, 2023. Available at: https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/11273/Greening_unis_toolkit_Single_Page.pdf?sequence=1/
[22] UNDP, "Elevating Meaningful Youth Engagement for Climate Action." Accessed on May 27, 2023. Available at: https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-05/UNDP-Elevating-Meaningful-Youth-Engagement-for-Climate-Action-2.pdf/
[23] Africa Portal, "Compendium of Natural Resources in Africa." Accessed on May 27, 2023. Available at: https://www.africaportal.org/documents/18744/Compendium_Natural_Resources_EN.pdf/
[24] UNFCCC, "Africa Climate Week Programme Scheduling." Accessed on May 27, 2023. Available at: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/18.08.2022%20ACW%20Programme%20Scheduling.pdf/