Amplifying climate resilience: The impact of social protection, social

policy brief

January 28, 2025•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Agricultural Import Bans in Botswana: Evaluating Macroeconomic Trade-offs and SACU Revenue Implications Amid Criticism of ‘Bad Economics’

This policy brief analyzes Botswana’s horticultural import ban (2022–2025), aimed at boosting local agriculture and reducing import dependency. While benefiting farmers, the ban has raised food prices, fueled inflation, and disrupted SACU trade dynamics. Recommendations include investing in irrigation, adopting advanced agricultural technologies, building resilient market linkages, and revisiting trade policies to balance protectionism with regional commitments. These measures are vital for ensuring long-term agricultural success, fiscal stability, and economic diversification.

Food Security

policy brief

November 30, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Challenges and Opportunities for Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Africa

This policy brief examines Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) between Africa and the International Partners Group, focusing on social equity in decarbonization. While JETPs aim to modernize grids and advance renewable energy, the social dimension lags behind technical and economic aspects. A South Africa case study highlights progress but reveals challenges like weak governance, insufficient funding, rising debt, and limited clean energy access for low-income communities. To ensure a just transition, JETPs must prioritize inclusivity, minimize impacts on vulnerable groups, and deliver equitable outcomes.

Energy

research doc

October 15, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Empowering communities beyond wires: Renewable energy microgrids and the impacts on energy poverty and socio-economic outcomes

This systematic review explores how renewable energy microgrids alleviate energy poverty and improve socio-economic outcomes in underserved communities. It highlights their role in enhancing livelihoods, economic growth, food security, health, and education while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite benefits, challenges like high initial costs, operational complexities, and regulatory barriers persist. The study emphasizes the need for innovative financing, supportive policies, and community engagement to maximize microgrid potential. Aligning with SDGs, microgrids offer a sustainable pathway to broader development goals.

Energy

research doc

October 2, 2024•Prof. Helen Onyeaka

The ripple effects of climate change on agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa

Climate change impacts food security in developing countries, lowering agricultural output, disrupting supply chains, and widening the gap between rich and poor. This review investigates climate change's consequences for African food insecurity within the context of environmental degradation. It examines the complex demands on food security systems (availability, accessibility, utilization, stability) under changing climatic conditions. The review highlights farm production's vulnerability to temperature, precipitation, and weather pattern changes. It also explores factors shaping food insecurity: population growth, poverty, weak infrastructure, and inadequate early warning systems. Climate change affects food prices, availability, and income inequality, potentially leading to social unrest. Vulnerable groups (impoverished, elderly, disabled) face increased risks, with women facing additional gender inequalities. Comprehensive strategies are needed to address health disparities and consider vulnerable subgroups alongside broader food security measures in the face of climate change.

Food Security

research doc

September 23, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Beyond compliance: evaluating the role of environmental, social and governance disclosures in enhancing firm value and performance

This study investigates the impact of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) disclosures on firm value and profitability across industries. Using the PRISMA framework, 52 studies from Scopus and Web of Science were analyzed. Results show varied outcomes: food and retail sectors benefit from strong ESG disclosures, while utilities focus more on social metrics. Developing economies often show negative or insignificant ESG-financial performance links, and agriculture benefits from governance disclosures. The findings highlight the need for industry-specific ESG approaches and policies to improve disclosure quality and transparency.

Green Industrial Policy

research doc

June 8, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Pricing the future: unveiling the effects of carbon pricing on socio-economic outcomes and energy poverty

This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, explores the impact of carbon pricing mechanisms on energy poverty and socio-economic outcomes. Analyzing articles from 1984–2023, it identifies nine themes, including renewable energy transition and governance challenges. Findings highlight carbon pricing’s role in energy security and socio-economic development, aligning with SDGs 1, 2, 4, 7, and 11. Key recommendations include strategic revenue allocation for social programs, renewable energy investments, and rural electrification to alleviate energy poverty. The study emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental policies and development goals, offering insights for policymakers.

Energy

research doc

February 13, 2025•Prof. Helen Onyeaka

A review of recent advances in engineering bacteria for enhanced CO2 capture and utilization

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions drive global warming and climate change. Conventional CO2 capture technologies often prove ineffective and environmentally harmful. Biological CO2 conversion, particularly using bacteria, offers a promising alternative due to its selectivity and adaptability. This review examines recent advances in engineering bacteria to utilize CO2 and other one-carbon compounds. It covers microbial CO2 fixation pathways, engineered bacteria, genetic and metabolic engineering approaches, and the production of value-added products (biofuels, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics) from CO2. While cultivation costs pose an economic challenge, genetic engineering offers potential for increased production yields. This review contributes to the development of sustainable, industrial-scale CO2 mitigation technologies using bacteria-based capture and utilization.

Energy

policy brief

January 28, 2025•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Agricultural Import Bans in Botswana: Evaluating Macroeconomic Trade-offs and SACU Revenue Implications Amid Criticism of ‘Bad Economics’

This policy brief analyzes Botswana’s horticultural import ban (2022–2025), aimed at boosting local agriculture and reducing import dependency. While benefiting farmers, the ban has raised food prices, fueled inflation, and disrupted SACU trade dynamics. Recommendations include investing in irrigation, adopting advanced agricultural technologies, building resilient market linkages, and revisiting trade policies to balance protectionism with regional commitments. These measures are vital for ensuring long-term agricultural success, fiscal stability, and economic diversification.

Food Security

policy brief

November 30, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Challenges and Opportunities for Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Africa

This policy brief examines Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) between Africa and the International Partners Group, focusing on social equity in decarbonization. While JETPs aim to modernize grids and advance renewable energy, the social dimension lags behind technical and economic aspects. A South Africa case study highlights progress but reveals challenges like weak governance, insufficient funding, rising debt, and limited clean energy access for low-income communities. To ensure a just transition, JETPs must prioritize inclusivity, minimize impacts on vulnerable groups, and deliver equitable outcomes.

Energy

research doc

October 15, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Empowering communities beyond wires: Renewable energy microgrids and the impacts on energy poverty and socio-economic outcomes

This systematic review explores how renewable energy microgrids alleviate energy poverty and improve socio-economic outcomes in underserved communities. It highlights their role in enhancing livelihoods, economic growth, food security, health, and education while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite benefits, challenges like high initial costs, operational complexities, and regulatory barriers persist. The study emphasizes the need for innovative financing, supportive policies, and community engagement to maximize microgrid potential. Aligning with SDGs, microgrids offer a sustainable pathway to broader development goals.

Energy

research doc

October 2, 2024•Prof. Helen Onyeaka

The ripple effects of climate change on agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa

Climate change impacts food security in developing countries, lowering agricultural output, disrupting supply chains, and widening the gap between rich and poor. This review investigates climate change's consequences for African food insecurity within the context of environmental degradation. It examines the complex demands on food security systems (availability, accessibility, utilization, stability) under changing climatic conditions. The review highlights farm production's vulnerability to temperature, precipitation, and weather pattern changes. It also explores factors shaping food insecurity: population growth, poverty, weak infrastructure, and inadequate early warning systems. Climate change affects food prices, availability, and income inequality, potentially leading to social unrest. Vulnerable groups (impoverished, elderly, disabled) face increased risks, with women facing additional gender inequalities. Comprehensive strategies are needed to address health disparities and consider vulnerable subgroups alongside broader food security measures in the face of climate change.

Food Security

research doc

September 23, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Beyond compliance: evaluating the role of environmental, social and governance disclosures in enhancing firm value and performance

This study investigates the impact of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) disclosures on firm value and profitability across industries. Using the PRISMA framework, 52 studies from Scopus and Web of Science were analyzed. Results show varied outcomes: food and retail sectors benefit from strong ESG disclosures, while utilities focus more on social metrics. Developing economies often show negative or insignificant ESG-financial performance links, and agriculture benefits from governance disclosures. The findings highlight the need for industry-specific ESG approaches and policies to improve disclosure quality and transparency.

Green Industrial Policy

research doc

June 8, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Pricing the future: unveiling the effects of carbon pricing on socio-economic outcomes and energy poverty

This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, explores the impact of carbon pricing mechanisms on energy poverty and socio-economic outcomes. Analyzing articles from 1984–2023, it identifies nine themes, including renewable energy transition and governance challenges. Findings highlight carbon pricing’s role in energy security and socio-economic development, aligning with SDGs 1, 2, 4, 7, and 11. Key recommendations include strategic revenue allocation for social programs, renewable energy investments, and rural electrification to alleviate energy poverty. The study emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental policies and development goals, offering insights for policymakers.

Energy

research doc

February 13, 2025•Prof. Helen Onyeaka

A review of recent advances in engineering bacteria for enhanced CO2 capture and utilization

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions drive global warming and climate change. Conventional CO2 capture technologies often prove ineffective and environmentally harmful. Biological CO2 conversion, particularly using bacteria, offers a promising alternative due to its selectivity and adaptability. This review examines recent advances in engineering bacteria to utilize CO2 and other one-carbon compounds. It covers microbial CO2 fixation pathways, engineered bacteria, genetic and metabolic engineering approaches, and the production of value-added products (biofuels, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics) from CO2. While cultivation costs pose an economic challenge, genetic engineering offers potential for increased production yields. This review contributes to the development of sustainable, industrial-scale CO2 mitigation technologies using bacteria-based capture and utilization.

Energy

policy brief

January 28, 2025•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Agricultural Import Bans in Botswana: Evaluating Macroeconomic Trade-offs and SACU Revenue Implications Amid Criticism of ‘Bad Economics’

This policy brief analyzes Botswana’s horticultural import ban (2022–2025), aimed at boosting local agriculture and reducing import dependency. While benefiting farmers, the ban has raised food prices, fueled inflation, and disrupted SACU trade dynamics. Recommendations include investing in irrigation, adopting advanced agricultural technologies, building resilient market linkages, and revisiting trade policies to balance protectionism with regional commitments. These measures are vital for ensuring long-term agricultural success, fiscal stability, and economic diversification.

Food Security

policy brief

November 30, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Challenges and Opportunities for Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Africa

This policy brief examines Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) between Africa and the International Partners Group, focusing on social equity in decarbonization. While JETPs aim to modernize grids and advance renewable energy, the social dimension lags behind technical and economic aspects. A South Africa case study highlights progress but reveals challenges like weak governance, insufficient funding, rising debt, and limited clean energy access for low-income communities. To ensure a just transition, JETPs must prioritize inclusivity, minimize impacts on vulnerable groups, and deliver equitable outcomes.

Energy

research doc

October 15, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Empowering communities beyond wires: Renewable energy microgrids and the impacts on energy poverty and socio-economic outcomes

This systematic review explores how renewable energy microgrids alleviate energy poverty and improve socio-economic outcomes in underserved communities. It highlights their role in enhancing livelihoods, economic growth, food security, health, and education while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite benefits, challenges like high initial costs, operational complexities, and regulatory barriers persist. The study emphasizes the need for innovative financing, supportive policies, and community engagement to maximize microgrid potential. Aligning with SDGs, microgrids offer a sustainable pathway to broader development goals.

Energy

research doc

October 2, 2024•Prof. Helen Onyeaka

The ripple effects of climate change on agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa

Climate change impacts food security in developing countries, lowering agricultural output, disrupting supply chains, and widening the gap between rich and poor. This review investigates climate change's consequences for African food insecurity within the context of environmental degradation. It examines the complex demands on food security systems (availability, accessibility, utilization, stability) under changing climatic conditions. The review highlights farm production's vulnerability to temperature, precipitation, and weather pattern changes. It also explores factors shaping food insecurity: population growth, poverty, weak infrastructure, and inadequate early warning systems. Climate change affects food prices, availability, and income inequality, potentially leading to social unrest. Vulnerable groups (impoverished, elderly, disabled) face increased risks, with women facing additional gender inequalities. Comprehensive strategies are needed to address health disparities and consider vulnerable subgroups alongside broader food security measures in the face of climate change.

Food Security

research doc

September 23, 2024•Dr. Phemelo Tamasiga

Beyond compliance: evaluating the role of environmental, social and governance disclosures in enhancing firm value and performance

This study investigates the impact of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) disclosures on firm value and profitability across industries. Using the PRISMA framework, 52 studies from Scopus and Web of Science were analyzed. Results show varied outcomes: food and retail sectors benefit from strong ESG disclosures, while utilities focus more on social metrics. Developing economies often show negative or insignificant ESG-financial performance links, and agriculture benefits from governance disclosures. The findings highlight the need for industry-specific ESG approaches and policies to improve disclosure quality and transparency.

Green Industrial Policy

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Amplifying climate resilience: The impact of social protection, social cohesion, and social capital on public support for climate change action

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Other Papers

Agricultural Import Bans in Botswana: Evaluating Macroeconomic Trade-offs and SACU Revenue Implications Amid Criticism of ‘Bad Economics’

Challenges and Opportunities for Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Africa

Empowering communities beyond wires: Renewable energy microgrids and the impacts on energy poverty and socio-economic outcomes

The ripple effects of climate change on agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa

Beyond compliance: evaluating the role of environmental, social and governance disclosures in enhancing firm value and performance

Pricing the future: unveiling the effects of carbon pricing on socio-economic outcomes and energy poverty

A review of recent advances in engineering bacteria for enhanced CO2 capture and utilization

Agricultural Import Bans in Botswana: Evaluating Macroeconomic Trade-offs and SACU Revenue Implications Amid Criticism of ‘Bad Economics’

Challenges and Opportunities for Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Africa

Empowering communities beyond wires: Renewable energy microgrids and the impacts on energy poverty and socio-economic outcomes

The ripple effects of climate change on agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa

Beyond compliance: evaluating the role of environmental, social and governance disclosures in enhancing firm value and performance

Pricing the future: unveiling the effects of carbon pricing on socio-economic outcomes and energy poverty

A review of recent advances in engineering bacteria for enhanced CO2 capture and utilization

Agricultural Import Bans in Botswana: Evaluating Macroeconomic Trade-offs and SACU Revenue Implications Amid Criticism of ‘Bad Economics’

Challenges and Opportunities for Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Africa

Empowering communities beyond wires: Renewable energy microgrids and the impacts on energy poverty and socio-economic outcomes

The ripple effects of climate change on agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa

Beyond compliance: evaluating the role of environmental, social and governance disclosures in enhancing firm value and performance

Amplifying climate resilience: The impact of social protection, social cohesion, and social capital on public support for climate change action

Share

Other Papers

Amplifying climate resilience: The impact of social protection, social cohesion, and social capital on public support for climate change action

Amplifying climate resilience: The impact of social protection, social cohesion, and social capital on public support for climate change action

Amplifying climate resilience: The impact of social protection, social cohesion, and social capital on public support for climate change action

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Amplifying climate resilience: The impact of social protection, social cohesion, and social capital on public support for climate change action