Systematic review of climate change impact research in Nigeria: implication for sustainable development

Exploring the impact of climate change on respiratory health in Nigeria: a scoping review of current research, government policies and programs

Climate change significantly impacts health globally, especially in densely populated, rapidly industrialising and ecologically diverse countries like Nigeria. We analysed climate change policies, studies, programs, and events at the national and subnational levels in Nigeria and explored their effects on public and respiratory health. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMAScR) checklist, we searched PubMed, African Journals Online (AJoL), Google Scholar and government data repositories on January 10, 2024. We synthesised results using an adapted sector-level framework based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Our searches returned 262 items, of which 32, including research studies, reports and grey documents, were retained for synthesis. Although some policies and programmes, like the Climate Change Act and Nigerian Climate and Health Observatory, exist, implementation is limited across many settings. Key reported respiratory pollutants in Nigeria include particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), gaseous emissions (CO, SO₂, NOx), agricultural by-products (NH₃, H₂S), greenhouse gases (CH₄, CO₂), and microbial contaminants, which collectively increase the risk of respiratory inflammation, infections, and exacerbations of chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases. Our findings underscore a clear link between climate change and worsening respiratory health in many Nigerian settings. The current policies and programmes' have limited impact, calling for comprehensive reforms, including improved enforcement and targeted action against major pollution sources, recognition of environmental rights, and stronger public health initiatives and community action.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10584-025-03880-0.

A mixed-method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in Afghanistan

Construction projects in Afghanistan are plagued by significant delays, hindering development efforts and incurring substantial economic losses. Currently, a staggering 79 % of projects experience delays, contributing to a critical infrastructure gap in the nation. This research delves into the root causes of these delays, examining their impact on project outcomes and identifying potential mitigation strategies. By considering the perspectives of five key stakeholder groups-clients, consultants, contractors, project managers, and lecturers-the study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the causes contributing to delays. A comparative analysis with other conflict-affected countries, such as Ukraine, Pakistan, Palestine, and Iraq, reveals both shared and unique challenges that hinder construction projects in these regions. The research findings highlight the significant impact of security challenges, corruption, and logistical hurdles on construction project delays in Afghanistan. Tailored strategies are essential to address these multifaceted issues and improve project outcomes. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to bolster the performance of Afghanistan's construction sector. A key contribution of this research is its novel focus on security-related causes of construction project delays. By explicitly examining and ranking these causes, the study advances our understanding of how security challenges influence project timelines, a previously underexplored area. Additionally, the comparison with other conflict-affected regions lays the groundwork for broader comparisons and the identification of global best practices. Construction project delays in Afghanistan are influenced by a complex interplay of causes, including security challenges, corruption, and logistical hurdles. Tailored strategies are essential to address these multifaceted issues and improve project outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to bolster the performance of Afghanistan's construction sector.

Modelling the impacts of security on construction delays: A case of Afghanistan

Construction projects in conflict-affected regions face unique challenges, with security issues often serving as significant impediments to progress. This research investigates the multifaceted relationship between security factors and construction delays in Afghanistan, aiming to fill a critical gap in existing literature by offering a comprehensive analysis of the specific challenges encountered within this context. Employing a quantitative methodology and engaging stakeholders directly involved in construction projects, the study delves into the intricacies of security-related delay factors, identifying key contributors and assessing their impacts on project timelines. Through quantitative data analysis, the research reveals that security-related issues such as the presence of local armed individuals, interference from tribal leaders, and other forms of insecurity pose significant threats to construction projects in Afghanistan. These factors are found to have both high severity and frequency, underscoring their pervasive influence on project outcomes. Furthermore, the study highlights the interconnected nature of delay factors, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to project management that integrates security considerations into broader risk management frameworks. Stakeholder perspectives play a central role in the research, with insights gathered from clients, consultants, contractors, and other key actors providing valuable insights into the diverse range of concerns within the construction industry. Variations in risk perceptions and priorities among different stakeholder groups underscore the importance of tailored interventions that account for the specific needs and challenges faced by each group. Building on these insights, the research offers recommendations for enhancing project resilience and mitigating the impacts of security-related delays in Afghanistan. Recommendations include the development and implementation of robust security protocols, proactive risk management strategies, and improved coordination with local authorities and security forces. Moreover, the study identifies avenues for further research, including comparative analyses across different regions and longitudinal studies tracking project outcomes over time. By deepening our understanding of the impacts of security on construction delays, this research contributes to the development of evidence-based policies and practices aimed at promoting sustainable development in conflict-affected regions and beyond.

Paddy rice yield and greenhouse gas emissions: Any trade-off due to co-application of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer? A systematic review

Combined application of biochar and nitrogen (N) fertilizer could offer opportunities to increase rice yield and reduce methane emissions from paddy fields. However, this strategy may increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, hence its interactive effects on GHG emissions, global warming potential (GWP) and GHG intensity (GHGI) remained poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review to i) evaluate the overall effects of combined application of biochar and N fertilizer rates on GHGs emissions, GWP, rice yield, and GHGI, ii) determine the quantities of biochar and N-fertilizer application that increase rice yield and reduce GHGs emissions and GHGI, and iii) examine the effects of biochar and different types of nitrogen fertilizers on rice yield, GHGs, GWP, and GHGI using data from 45 research articles and 183 paired observations. The extracted data were grouped based on biochar and N rates used by researchers as well as N fertiliser types. Accordingly, biochar rates were grouped into low (≤9 tons/ha), medium (>9 and ≤ 20 ton/ha) and high (>20 tons/ha), while N rates were grouped into three categories: low (≤140 kg N/ha), medium (>140 and ≤ 240 kg N/ha), and high (>240 kg N/ha). For fertiliser types, N rates were grouped as: low (≤150 kg N/ha), medium (>150 and ≤250 kg N/ha), and high (>250 kg N/ha) and N types into: urea, NPK, NPK plus urea (NPK_urea) and NPK plus (NH4)2SO4 (NPK_(NH4)2SO4). Results showed that biochar and N fertiliser significantly affected GHGs emissions, GWP, GHGI and rice yield. Compared to control (i.e., sole N application), co-application of high biochar and medium N rates significantly decreased CH4 emission (82 %) while low biochar with low N rates enhanced CH4 emission (114 %). In contrast, high biochar combined with low N decreased N2O emission by 91 % whereas medium biochar and high N rates resulted in 82 % increase in N2O emission relative to control. The highest GWP and GHGI were observed under co-application of medium biochar and low N rates. Highest rice yield was observed under low biochar rate and high N rate. Regardless of N fertiliser type and biochar rates, increasing N rates increased rice yield and N2O emissions. The highest GWP and GHGI were recorded under sole NPK application. Combination of low biochar and medium N produced low GHGs emissions, high grain yield, and the lowest GHGI, and could be recommended to smallholder farmers to increase rice yield and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from paddy rice field. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar properties on soil characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions.

How Does Climate Change Affect Tomato and Okra Production? Evidence from Nigeria

This study examined the impacts of climate change on okra and tomato yields. Fertilizer consumption and credit to the crop sector were considered as covariates in the analysis. Time-series data, spanning a period of 40 years, were obtained from various sources. An autoregressive distributed lag model was applied to analyze short- and long-term impacts of climate change and agricultural inputs on okra and tomato yields. Not all variables were stationary at levels (order zero), but they were all significant at first difference, indicating the presence of cointegration. The Bound's test F-ratio was statistically significant and implied the presence of long- and short-term relationships among the variables studied. The mean temperatures had negative impacts on okra and tomato yields in both the short and long terms. Credit guaranteed to the crop sector had positive short- and long-term impacts on tomato yield; fertilizer consumption had a negative long-term impact on okra yield. Our study concludes that climate change, particularly rising temperature, impacts herbaceous fruit crop production in Nigeria. Therefore, we recommend that breeding and disseminating climate-smart tomato and okra varieties will help fruit crop farmers respond to rising temperatures.

Blue carbon governance for carbon neutrality in China: Policy evaluation and perspectives

As a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation, blue carbon has been highlighted for realizing carbon neutrality in China. China's central and local governments have issued many policies to promote blue carbon protection and development. However, scaling up blue carbon restoration and protection is required for its substantial contribution to carbon neutrality. This study evaluates the characteristics of China's blue carbon policies using qualitative document analysis based on policy instrument theory. The distribution of different policy instruments among blue carbon policies and resources is analyzed. Suggestions for improving blue carbon policy supply are put forward combined with comparative experience from international organizations and other jurisdictions. The following policies should be strengthened to secure efficient blue carbon protection, restoration, and creation: blue carbon protection legislation, marine ecological compensation system, stable investment in blue carbon projects, integrated blue carbon verification system, and inclusion of blue carbon in regulated carbon markets.

Climate change and primary health care in Sahelian Kano, Nigeria

Climate change (CC) is a global phenomenon that impacts several aspects of human existence. The Sustainable Development Goal 13 implores stakeholders to take action to mitigate the effects of CC. However, its impact on health, particularly primary health care, has not been thoroughly studied. Here, we share anecdotal experiences of the impact of CC on health and primary care presentations in Kano, Northwest, Nigeria. We observed consistent clinical presentations logically associated with high temperatures and excessive flooding in certain months of the year. Presentations range from skin and water-borne diseases to malnutrition and stress-related disorders. Our experience in Kano, Nigeria could be a valuable exposition of the diversity of the impact of CC on primary health care presentation in Africa, considering geographical and cultural differences. It also exposes the paucity of data regarding the impact of CC on primary care activities in Africa.Contribution: In conclusion, CC has potential impacts on primary health care and practice. The full implications of CC on this vital level of care will require future research (quantitative and qualitative studies). This will help strategic intervention planning by stakeholders.