Integrating Population into National Climate Change and Development Planning: The Cases of Malawi and Kenya

Malawi and Kenya exhibit the challenges posed by climate change and population dynamics. Both countries experience high rates of population growth and rapidly rising urbanization, with large numbers of urban dwellers living in slums. , Their agricultural-based economies are undermined by erratic climatic conditions and water scarcity problems, leading to food insecurity. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change.

Given the strong links between population dynamics and climate change, addressing both issues using integrated responses would offer combined benefits. Key informant interviews conducted with stakeholders in both countries reveal a high level of awareness of the links, as well as the need for their integration. However, the issues are weakly linked at policy level, and programs to address them are implemented separately.

This paper examines the challenges of integrating population into climate change and development planning, and identifies opportunities to enhance integration in the context of both countries.