Since AR5, there have been rapid advances in climate impact research due to increased computing power, data access and new developments in statistical analysis . However, sparse and intermittent weather station data limit attribution of climate trends to human-caused climate change for large areas of Africa, especially for precipitation and extreme events, and hinder more accurate climate change projections . Outside of South Africa and Kenya, digitally accessible data on biodiversity is limited . Lack of comprehensive socioeconomic data also limits researchers' ability to predict climate change impacts. Ideally, multiple surveys over time are needed to identify effects of a location's changing climate on changing socioeconomic conditions. Twenty-five African countries conducted only one nationally representative survey that could be used to construct measures of poverty during 2000-2010 and 14 conducted none over this period . Because of these challenges, much of what is known about climate impacts and risks in Africa relies on evidence from global studies that use data largely from outside Africa . These studies generate estimates of average impacts across the globe, but may not have the statistical power to distinguish whether African nations display differential vulnerability, exposure or adaptive capacity. In sections of this chapter, we have relied, when necessary, on such studies, as they often provide best available evidence for Africa. Increasing data coverage and availability would increase the ability to discern important differences in risk both among and within African countries.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report