Systematic Evidence Mapping of Climate Change Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation in Informal Settlements in South Africa

This study maps and analyses peer-reviewed evidence from 2015 to 2024 on climate change impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation in South African informal settlements. The review is based on a sample of 23 studies from 1,282 studies that met the review inclusion criteria. The findings reveal that informal settlements are exposed to various climate hazards, with flooding, droughts and heat being the most documented. These hazards interact with infrastructure deficits and socio-economic and institutional factors to increase the vulnerability and limit the adaptive capacity of residents of informal settlements. Reported adaptation actions were mostly structural, involving physical changes to structures and systems to mitigate climate effects, and behavioural, with only one study reporting the use of nature-based solutions. Actors involved in climate adaptation operate at the household, community and city levels. Adaptation actions have been reported to be effective in improving safety and comfort, reducing biodiversity loss and improving energy efficiency in informal settlements. However, lack of funding and political will, and participation in decision-making and resource allocation are among the barriers to adaptation. These findings collectively highlight the urgent need for systemic, inclusive, scalable and sustainable adaptation solutions for informal settlements in South Africa.