BEYOND THE CLIMATE CRISIS: PROTECTING AFRICAN CHILDRENFROM RISING VIOLENCE

Abstract

Climate change is increasing vulnerabilities across Africa, particularly impacting children through indirect pathways that heighten their risks of violence, exploitation, and neglect. This study investigates the link between climate-induced stressors, such as drought, displacement, food insecurity, and economic shocks, and the rising violence against children across the continent. While the connection between climate change and environmental degradation is well established, its social consequences, particularly to child protection, are less well understood. Underpinned by the Ecological Systems Theory and the Vulnerability Framework, the study aims to identify the key drivers connecting climate change to violence against children in Africa and to assess policy frameworks that address these emerging risks. A desktop approach was employed, combining a systematic review of the literature with a qualitative analysis of policy documents from selected African countries (Kenya, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Nigeria) that experience both climate volatility and high levels of child vulnerability. The findings show that climate shocks disrupt livelihoods, increase household stress, and often cause displacement, all of which are associated with higher rates of physical, emotional, and sexual violence against children. Weak child protection systems, inadequate climate adaptation policies, and poor coordination between climate and social sectors worsen these risks. Despite national climate strategies, few policies explicitly address the social and protection aspects of climate impacts on children. The study concludes that safeguarding children requires integrated policy responses that connect climate adaptation with social protection and child welfare. Recommendations include integrating child protection into climate policies, strengthening community-based resilience mechanisms, and investing in early warning systems that incorporate child-specific indicators. By moving beyond environmental mitigation to tackling the social consequences of climate change, governments and development partners can better shield Africa’s children from a growing tide of violence.