Climate Change and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Panel Econometric Approach

Abstract

This paper attempts to empirically investigate the impact of climate change on economic development in Sub-Saharan African countries. It is a simple linear panel model using three estimation techniques, fixed effect, random effects and Maximum likelihood method. The Hausman test was also conducted to choose the most appropriate technique.

In all, the paper finds that climate change impacts positively on the economic development in the region. The paper further recommends more adaptation as against mitigation measures, as many SSA countries already have some forms of indigenous adaptation measures which are relatively more manageable and less costly technological options in dealing with climate change.

KEY WORDS: Climate, economic development, Africa