Innovations and policies for climate-resilient food and water systems in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Sub-Saharan Africa’s food and water systems face increasing pressure from the worsening impacts of climate change, necessitating the integration of technological innovations and policy frameworks to build resilience. Despite increasing investments in adaptation, clear evidence on the combined impact of technological innovations and policy frameworks on resilience remains fragmented. This review fills this gap by combining empirical and policy-based evidence relating to the development of climate-resilient food and water systems across SSA. Using PRISMA 2020 as a guide, 7,548 records were retrieved, and 60 high-quality studies published from 2000 to 2025 were reviewed. Studies were analyzed using thematic coding in NVivo, based on CSA, IWRM, Vulnerability, and Climate-food-water nexus frameworks. Results show that climate-smart agriculture, improved irrigation, drought-tolerant varieties, agroecological practices, and digital advisory systems consistently enhance productivity and adaptive capacity, especially when implemented as integrated packages. However, effectiveness is constrained by limited financing, weak governance, fragmented institutions, inadequate extension systems, and inequitable access for women and smallholder farmers. Policy analyses reveal strong planning across NAPs and NDCs, yet significant implementation gaps persist, particularly at the local level. The review emphasizes the need for stronger institutional coordination, increased climate finance, and scaled multi-sectoral adaptation, alongside equity-centered and evidence-based approaches.