Investigating pathways between climate and mental health and wellbeing and development and testing of localized, impact-based early warning systems for climate vulnerable communities in East Africa

Columbia Univ New York Morningside, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section East Africa (EA) is one of the regions of Africa1 most vulnerable to extreme weather, with studies citing higher risk of severe heatwaves and drought. These extreme weather events (EWEs) are expected to have a profound impact on psychological well-being and mental health, especially for women and those living in ecologically sensitive areas like floodplains and wetlands. Extreme weather has been associated with increased despair, suicidal ideation, and violence and conflict. Some communities, like informal settlement, pastoral and small-holder farming communities, are not only especially exposed to extreme weather, but often face barriers to preparation and recovery, including limited access to essential services, exclusion from decision-making processes, and lack of land tenure. Although research on mental health prevalence in these communities in lower-income countries (LICs) is limited, findings from recent studies indicate that depressive disorder, suicide attempts, psychosocial stress, and intimate partner violence are higher in these communities than other settings. Early warning systems (EWSs), such as hazard advisories based on localized forecasts, save lives and avoid expensive economic expenses and improve preparedness and Forecast-based Financing. The proposed study will investigate experiences of EWEs and direct and indirect associations between EWEs and mental health and violence-related outcomes using longitudinal data from 18 vulnerable communities across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Because there is a paucity of research focused on the effects EWEs may have on residents’ mental health, well-being, and experiences of violence, and affordable interventions to prevent negative outcomes, this Research Project will also pilot a localized EWS intervention in these communities. Findings from this study could provide helpful meteorological thresholds related to mental health and interpersonal violence in vulnerable communities, uncover key pathways between these phenomena, and test a low-cost, targeted intervention aimed at helping residents of these communities to prepare for and cope with EWEs. The Research Project will be guided by the following specific aims: Aim 1: Explore and compare prevalence and frequency of extreme weather in vulnerable communities. Aim 2: Develop localized impact-based thresholds using participants’ experiences of EWEs. Aim 3: Investigate associations and potential pathways between extreme weather and mental health, well-being, and interpersonal violence in vulnerable communities. Aim 4: Explore preliminary effects of a localized EWS intervention on women’s mental health, well-being, and interpersonal violence in vulnerable communities. This 27-month study integrates all aspects of the Anga Center—meaningfully engaging communities, establishing a strong administrative foundation, and building capacity for future extreme weather and health research in EA.