Are population issues mainstreamed into climate change policies and action in Nigeria? Evidence from a systematic review of national climate change documents

The linkages between population factors and climate change have strong implications for national climate change policies and actions. Using Nigeria as an example, this study attempts to determine if population issues are effectively integrated (mainstreamed) into national climate policy and action documents. The study involves a two-stage literature/document review procedure. At the first stage, a general/global review of the literature enabled the identification of key issues and perspectives, and proposes a conceptual framework on the linkages between population and climate change. At the second stage, ‘population content’ mainstreaming in some of Nigeria’s climate change policy and action documents is appraised using a keyword search (Ctrl + f), contextual reading and generative AI techniques. The first stage review indicates the existence of a robust literature on population climate linkages and outcomes. The literature is both historical and current, providing a rich evidence base for the development of population related climate policies and actions. However, the dissonance on the contributions and relevance of various population factors to climate dynamics and outcomes continues, pointing to the need to harmonize the science and perspectives involved in population climate change studies. Most of Nigeria’s climate documents have a population content- identified population related causes of climate dynamics, vulnerabilities and impacts as well as mitigation and adaptation needs. However, specific population related targets for mitigation and adaptation strategies are lacking and need to be addressed. Notably, there is a need for strategies addressing the implications of the country’s high fertility and population momentum for climate mitigation and adaptation. Systematic Assessments are crucial to highlight the status of mainstreaming of population issues into national climate policiesThere is need for a clear conceptualization and understanding of the contexts, pathways, interactions, outcomes and feedback in population climate relationships for effective mainstreaming of population into climate policies and actionsInferences from the literature suggest that different factors should be considered in the integration of population into climate policies in low- and high-income countries.Effective mainstreaming of population issues in Nigerian and Sub Saharan African climate policies requires clear targets aligned with regional demographic realities like high fertility and population momentum. Systematic Assessments are crucial to highlight the status of mainstreaming of population issues into national climate policies There is need for a clear conceptualization and understanding of the contexts, pathways, interactions, outcomes and feedback in population climate relationships for effective mainstreaming of population into climate policies and actions Inferences from the literature suggest that different factors should be considered in the integration of population into climate policies in low- and high-income countries. Effective mainstreaming of population issues in Nigerian and Sub Saharan African climate policies requires clear targets aligned with regional demographic realities like high fertility and population momentum.