Integrating Sustainable Development and Disaster Mitigation into Climate Policies to Support Water Security in Africa

Abstract

Africa’s water security is inextricable from the recent patterns of climate variability. Effective formulation and implementation of climate policies require efficient integration of disaster mitigation and sustainable development to eliminate maladaptation and enhance water security. However, practical implementation is still lacking in many African countries. This study aims to examine practical measures and strategies for the integration of sustainable development and disaster mitigation into climate policies to enhance water security in Africa. A systematic bibliometric and thematic analysis was conducted using 95 peer-reviewed articles within the period 2010 to 2025 from the Scopus database. Software and frameworks such as VOSviewer and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) were employed to analyze publication trends, co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and themes. The study revealed current research themes such as nature-based solutions for water security, climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies, and practical measures, such as eco-based adaptation and water energy food nexus, as some components of climate policy integration that can enhance water security in Africa. The study offers key policy recommendations for policymakers in the implementation of integrated climate policies adequate and effective enough to deal with water security issues in Africa.

1. Background and Goal of the Review

Achieving water security is a growing global concern, exacerbated by climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing population pressures. In many developing regions, particularly in Africa, these stressors coexist with weak infrastructure and governance systems, increasing susceptibility to both water scarcity and water-related vulnerabilities such as floods and droughts [1,2,3]. Across the content, severe climatic conditions, including extended droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and rising sea levels, pose significant threats to water availability. These challenges heighten competition for limited resources and exacerbate tensions over access, potentially leading to conflicts [4]. In countries such as Nigeria, high climatic variability and limited adaptive capacity have led to severe water security challenges [5,6,7]. Climate change and unsustainable urbanization have resulted in frequent flooding, groundwater depletion, and declining freshwater quality, posing a direct threat to food security, livelihoods, and public health [8,9]. In megacities such as Lagos, Nigeria, issues with flooding and sea level rise are at the forefront when it comes to attaining water security.

Considering the growing threats posed by climate change, various international agreements, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), have been introduced to minimize risks and enhance resilience. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) laid the foundation for coordinated global efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and address climate-related challenges [10,11]. This was further reinforced by the Paris Agreement in 2015, which set legally binding targets to keep global temperature rising well below 2 °C while promoting adaptive strategies such as efficient water resource management [12]. Similarly, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Mitigation 2015–2030 emphasizes proactive risk management, disaster preparedness, and resilience-building, recognizing the crucial intersection between climate adaptation and long-term sustainable development [13]. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), provide a holistic approach to addressing water security by advocating for integrated and sustainable water management policies [14]. These agreements present a significant opportunity for Africans to develop integrated, effective, and coherent climate policies that are adequate to support attaining water security. Effective climate policies require the integration of sustainable development and disaster mitigation, and vice versa [15,16]. However, studies have shown that both practice and theory still tend to treat climate action, disaster risk mitigation, and sustainable development separately, which are key areas of concern [17,18,19,20].

Although there is an increasing recognition of the need to incorporate sustainable development and disaster risk mitigation into climate policies, and vice versa, we presume that a review of the strategies in which sustainable development and disaster reduction can be integrated to climate policies to support water security can go a long way in supporting sub-Sahara African countries that are lagging on ways to carry out practical implementations in the nearest future and also strengthening the process of meeting their respective international climate agreement and global developmental goals. A review can also help identify emerging themes and give a clearer picture of research themes that can support the theory and practice of integrated approaches to climate change policy formulation and implementation. Overall, a review can support in revealing how research and theoretical approaches can be put into practice to promote climate change policies that integrate sustainable development and disaster mitigation.

The study aims to examine the integration of sustainable development and disaster mitigation into climate policies to support water security in Africa. This study utilizes a bibliometric approach to examine research trends on the incorporation of sustainable development and disaster mitigation within climate policies across Africa. A bibliometric analysis enables a systematic examination of scientific progress in this field by assessing the impact of key publications, identifying keywords, identifying influential contributors, and mapping out emerging research themes [21]. By utilizing performance indicators, such as citation analysis and co-authorship networks, the study will gauge the overall impact of research on climate policy integration and identify priority research areas [22,23]. The following specific questions were asked in this study:

I.

What are the current research themes on the integration of sustainable development and disaster mitigation in climate policies to support water security in Africa?

II.

What measures and strategies are recommended in the literature, and how can they be practically applied to enhance the integration of sustainable development and disaster reduction in climate policies for water security in Africa?

The Need for Integrating Sustainable Development and Disaster Mitigation in Climate Policies

The escalating effects of climate change have led to a rise in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, posing significant threats to human lives, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems [13,24,25]. Communities are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as storms, droughts, and floods, underscoring the importance of policies that simultaneously address climate action, sustainable development, and disaster mitigation.

The interconnection between climate change, development, and disaster risk is well documented. Climate change amplifies the occurrence of extreme weather events, thereby exacerbating disaster risks [17,25]. However, human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and unplanned development also contribute to disaster vulnerability [26,27]. In many cities, rapid expansion without proper environmental considerations leads to greater flood risks, as seen in cases where poor drainage systems and deforestation exacerbate flooding [28,29]. The relationship between disasters and development is also cyclical: disasters can erase years of economic progress by destroying infrastructure and livelihoods, while unsustainable development practices can create conditions that increase disaster risks [30].

Although global frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement on climate change, aim to guide efforts in these areas, they are often implemented separately in countries as a one-size-fits-all rather than a unified strategy adequate to deal with all issues [13,17]. The implementation of the Sendai Framework, the SDGs, and the Paris Agreement in 2015 represented a major step toward aligning global efforts in disaster mitigation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. These frameworks emphasize the importance of proactive strategies to reduce disaster risks, strengthen resilience, and foster sustainable growth in response to escalating climate challenges [13]. These agreements share common goals, such as protecting human lives, promoting sustainable growth, and enhancing environmental resilience [18,19]. However, despite these shared objectives, their implementations in countries remain fragmented. Governments often implement climate actions separately from disaster management, failing to recognize that effective climate policies must also incorporate risk reduction strategies and sustainability [20].

A more holistic and integrated approach to climate policies and actions is crucial for enhancing resilience, reducing disaster risks, and fostering long-term sustainable development. To effectively integrate sustainable development and disaster risk reduction into climate policies, a multi-sectoral approach is necessary, including strengthening policy coherence where governments can align climate policies with disaster risk reduction and sustainable development plans. This requires creating cross-sectoral coordination mechanisms to ensure that climate adaptation strategies incorporate risk management measures [31]. Enhancement of urban resilience can reduce exposure of cities to climate-related disasters, and urban planning must prioritize green infrastructure, sustainable drainage systems, and disaster-resilient housing [32].

Disaster risk assessment of investments can inform their performance to ensure that infrastructure and economic activities do not contribute to vulnerability. For example, avoid flood-prone areas for settlements unless adequate mitigation measures are in place [33]. The application of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and environmental assessment tools (EIA) can be used in this regard. Integrated climate policies can also include community-based disaster preparedness because engaging local communities in disaster risk planning and climate adaptation can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions [34]. Integrating traditional knowledge and local practices into climate policies enhances resilience at the grassroots level [35]. Nature-based solutions can be included in integrated climate policies for water security [36]. Application and leveraging international frameworks for implementation can be supportive. Countries can employ existing international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement on adaptation, the SDGs’ focus on sustainable growth, and the Sendai Framework’s disaster risk reduction strategies, as a foundation for integrated policymaking to provide a comprehensive roadmap for action [37].

The rising occurrence and severity of natural disasters highlight the critical need to incorporate sustainable development and disaster mitigation into climate policies. Although global frameworks offer direction, effective and practical implementation in countries is a challenge. By promoting policy coherence, urban resilience, risk-informed development, the application of environmental assessment tools, nature-based solutions, community engagement, and international collaboration, governments can create more effective climate policies that not only mitigate disaster risks but also ensure long-term sustainability. Effective climate action should integrate disaster resilience and sustainable development, acknowledging their interdependence and also supporting water security.

2. Method

The bibliometric analysis technique was the main method applied in this study. This technique for systematic review was aided by the adoption of a scoping and visualization approach. A bibliometric analysis technique was adopted as the primary approach for this study because it is the most suitable for reviewing the impacts or contributions of journals, authors, and countries on a particular topic or study. This technique details the eligibility criteria for selecting relevant studies, the process of data search and extraction, and the techniques used for data management and analysis.

This systematic and rigorous approach was adopted to ensure the inclusion of credible sources and to enhance the reliability of findings. Results were displayed in maps, tables, and with the use of diagrams. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA), which is a stepwise approach, was applied to ensure that all the papers, articles, and journals used in the reviews were adequate, screened, and eligible to answer the research questions, in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. For transparency and consistency purposes, this approach ensured that the most appropriate data and information were selected across the review steps. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were adopted in the critical aspects where the PRISMA was not applicable. These criteria were supported by the extraction of data and analysis.

2.1. Eligibility

The selection of literature for this study was guided by clearly defined eligibility criteria to ensure the inclusion of high-quality and contextually relevant sources. This research primarily relied on peer-reviewed journal articles and other credible publications in English that examine and focus on the combination of one or two of the following: sustainable development, disaster mitigation, climate actions, and water security in Africa. To maintain relevance, the search criterion was set to exclude articles published before the year 2010, as these provide insights into contemporary trends and emerging themes.

The years that were considered (2010 to the present) were chosen because the last fifteen years allow enough time to identify contemporary contributions that have been made in this field. Besides that, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change in Copenhagen in 2009 (COP 15) created a platform where world leaders struck a new political agreement (the Copenhagen Accord) targeted to make countries (both emerging and major economies) in subsequent years provide explicit climate action pledges. The period is also when significant awareness of climate change was raised; this famously led to international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework, and the SDGs in the year 2015. The review utilized insights from the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a significant source. The AR6 offers the most recent synthesis of climate-related research, including regional impacts and adaptation needs in Africa [25].

Studies that did not meet the eligibility criteria were excluded. Included materials in the review were articles, book chapters, reviews, conference papers, and books. The research included studies geographically limited to Africa, with a focus on sustainable development, disaster mitigation, climate actions, and water security. Both quantitative and qualitative research, as well as mixed-method studies, were included in the review.

2.2. Data Search, Extraction, and Research

To gather bibliometric data, multiple academic databases and search engines were considered. Out of the academic databases considered, Scopus was the most preferred and adopted for extracting recent bibliometric data due to its wider coverage. The selection of the database was based on its reputation for hosting peer-reviewed literature across diverse fields, including environmental studies, public policy, and socio-economic research. To maintain relevance, the search criterion was set to exclude articles published before the year 2010, with the justification being as explained in the previous section. Words used to query the search in the search engine include (“sustainable development and climate adaptation and water security”) OR (“sustainable development and climate mitigation and water security”) OR (“disaster risk mitigation and climate adaptation and water security”) OR (“climate policies and water security in Africa”).

Extraction of bibliographic data of 989 articles from Scopus was carried out in April 2025. Following a thorough evaluation using single screening to filter out irrelevant papers and the application of a search criterion that was set to exclude duplicate articles, 361 articles were identified for further screening (628 deleted). At the next phase of the screening process, where the abstract of each research paper was screened to meet the condition for a systematic review, a total of 203 articles were filtered out because the abstract was not relevant to the research topic. Subsequently, 158 articles were identified for further screening. A re-evaluation of the text of all the remaining articles was carried out. In carrying out this process, 63 articles were filtered out because they were not in line with sustainable development, natural disaster mitigation, climate action, and water security, or relevant to Africa. The remaining 95 articles were reviewed as shown in Figure 1.

To visualize research trends and relationships, the Java-developed VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20) bibliometric mapping functions were used to generate networks based on key parameters of bibliometrics such as indexed keywords and journal citations. Mapping was also conducted using the text-based data feature to examine term co-occurrences and identify key areas of integrated climate actions that combine sustainable development and natural disaster mitigation. The extracted keywords were further reviewed and divided into major subject matters to facilitate a clearer picture of the research landscape.

2.3. Analysis and Management of Data

Interpretation of the collected data is aided through the application of an abductive reasoning approach. In a bid to give a detailed description of the findings of the research, iterative content analysis and coding were carried out. Content analysis was chosen for its effectiveness in highlighting underlying interpretation rather than merely quantifying occurrences, making it particularly suitable for qualitative research where data is more descriptive than categorical. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of the themes and concepts present in literature.

The academic articles included in the study were systematically examined and organized into thematic categories, a process carried out in collaboration with co-authors. The findings are presented in a narrative format, highlighting key insights and major discoveries within each thematic area. Given that thematic categories are not mutually exclusive and certain data excerpts may apply to multiple themes, careful measures were taken to avoid redundant reporting. This ensured that the analysis remained clear and concise while maintaining the integrity of the identified patterns and relationships within the data.

Additionally, in VOSviewer maps, weight characteristics are based on the quantity and quality of linkages; node size indicates the relative value of items. In co-occurrence or bibliographic coupling maps, color codes were used to organize items based on their similarities and indicate clusters of closely linked objects, such as subjects, authors, or countries.

3. Results

This section summarizes the findings in terms of country analysis, co-occurrence of keywords, authors, journals, research output, and emerging themes.

3.1. Distribution of Research Papers According to Countries

The study unearthed growing but uneven research on incorporating sustainable development and disaster mitigation into climate strategies to enhance water security in Africa. The author’s organization addresses or affiliations were central and aided in the compilation of publications from countries. Figure 2 shows countries that have conducted the most studies on sustainable development and disaster mitigation in climate policy to enhance water security in Africa. In eight countries, articles and citations were recorded, with at least one publication per country using the VOSviewer. This accounts for around 14.8% of Africa’s 54 countries.

The size of each node (representing a country) and the connecting lines reflect the extent to which each country contributes and collaborates in the area. The color gradient, which runs from purple (2020) to yellow (2023), represents the average publication year, demonstrating temporal patterns in research activity. Figure 2 shows four clusters of the most active African countries. South Africa forms the largest node, indicating its dominant research focusing on sustainable development and disaster mitigation in climate policies to support water security. It is linked to several countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Malawi, implying that it is a hub for scientific collaboration. More recent contributions from Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya were made. Ethiopia, Congo, and Uganda are in yellow-green shades, indicating even more recent activity (2022–2023). Malawi displays yellow, indicating recent involvement and potential development as a new contributor to the research field.

Figure 3 highlights notable authors contributing significantly to the field. Scholars such as Luxon Nhamo, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, and Sylvester Mpandeli have larger node sizes, indicating their strong influence and prolific contributions to research on integrating sustainable development and disaster mitigation into climate policies for Africa’s water security. Both Nhamo and Mabhaudhi are associated with the Centre for Transformative Agriculture and Food Systems, University of KwaZulu-Natal, which is also situated in South Africa, stressing the country’s significant role in advancing integrated climate resilience studies on the continent.

3.2. Analysis of Keywords

Keyword analysis is prominent in understanding the concepts and contents of research. It also shows how the study topic has progressed. Numerous topics and themes have emerged in the last fifteen years because of research on disaster mitigation and sustainable development in climate policies to enhance water security in Africa. From Figure 4, the network map of co-occurring keywords was generated with the VOSviewer software. How often particular keywords appear together was calculated by their closeness and similarities [38]. When the co-occurrence value is high, relationships or frequency between terms become stronger.

Table 1. Conceptual mapping of keyword clusters.

Color Cluster	Representative Focus
Red	Focuses on how environmental changes impact livelihoods and economic development in vulnerable places, highlighting the socioeconomic aspects of climate policy.
Green	Represents the significance of sustainable agriculture and environmental services in increasing resilience and promoting water security in rural African communities.
Blue	Emphasizes the importance of human-water interactions, access, and supply concerns for African populations.
Purple	Reflects the effects of the biophysical climate, the function of ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions, and climate adaptation for water resilience.
Orange	Connects climate mitigation, water resource management, and sustainable energy transitions, especially in rural development plans.
Yellow	Identifies environmental stresses in the East African region and adaptive land use techniques (such as agroforestry) that are pertinent to integrated climate–water strategies.
Brown	Focuses on using climate science and modeling techniques to understand and manage food production and agricultural water demand in the face of climate change.
Pink	Emphasizes how important it is to integrate energy and water to promote resilience and address climate-induced vulnerabilities (such as drought) in some areas.
Light blue	Highlights policy-oriented factors, making sure that initiatives for food and water security under climate change are fair, effective, and focused.

Source: Authors’ own work.

shows the sum of the strengths of all the links a given keyword has with other keywords calculated from the total number of its co-occurrences. A total of 431 keywords were identified and analyzed. The co-occurring author keywords were represented by different clusters of colors, indicating the most commonly occurring keywords based on their relationship (see Figure 4 and Table 1 for a summary).

From

Table 2. Co-occurring indexed keywords.

No.	Keyword	Occurrences	Total Link Strength (TLS)
1	Climate change	26	508
2	Sustainable development	18	365
3	Food security	13	290
4	Water management	11	254
5	Food supply	10	253
6	South Africa	10	223
7	Water supply	8	198
8	Sustainable development goal	9	178
9	Drought	7	140
10	Irrigation	4	130

Source: Authors’ own work.

, the co-occurrence analysis of the top ten keywords reveals that “climate change” and “sustainable development” are fundamental to the discourse on water security in Africa, emphasizing the necessity for integrated approaches that connect climate policy with sustainability goals. Strong connections with keywords such as “food security,” “water management,” and “food supply” highlight the interdependence of water, agriculture, and livelihoods, confirming the importance of the food-water-climate nexus. The use of “sustainable development goal” indicates a policy-driven research focus, notably on SDGs 6 and 13. Notably, “South Africa” appears as a key geographic focus, indicating its leadership in climate-water research and providing possible models for broader regional applicability. Keywords such as “drought” and “irrigation” highlight the significance of disaster mitigation and adaptive techniques in protecting water resources.

3.3. Journal Analysis

From Figure 5 and

Table 3. Research outlet.

No.	Keyword	Documents	Citations
1	Renewable and sustainable energy	2	302
2	Journal of Cleaner Production	1	181
3	Water (Switzerland)	2	167
4	Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences	1	125
5	Sustainability (Switzerland)	5	85
6	Agricultural water management	3	73
7	Global environmental change	1	70
8	Water SA	1	46
9	Energy policy	1	44
10	Jàmba: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies	1	40

Source: Authors’ own work.

, the journal analysis reveals a diverse range of outlets contributing to the discourse on sustainable development, disaster mitigation, and water security in Africa, with both high-impact international journals and regionally focused publications playing key roles. Sustainability (Switzerland) has the most publications (5), while Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews has the most citations (302), with two documents dominating. Water (Switzerland) appears as an important platform for connected research. High-impact journals, such as the Journal of Cleaner Production, Global Environmental Change, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlight the research’s interdisciplinary and policy-relevant nature, whereas African-focused journals, such as Water SA and Jàmba: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, reflect increased local scholarly engagement. The VOSviewer visualization further highlights these journals’ temporal distribution and clustering, indicating evolving research dynamics and strong links across climate, water, and sustainability studies, particularly after 2020.

3.4. Analysis of Research Output

This distribution shown in Figure 6 demonstrates the depth and academic orientation of the literature base on sustainable development, climate policy, and water security in Africa. The dataset comprises 95 documents, predominantly made up of journal articles (46), book chapters (24), and review papers (20), indicating a strong reliance on peer-reviewed academic literature and synthesized knowledge in the field. The significant number of articles (46) reflects the prominence of original research, while the considerable share of book chapters (24) suggests a rich presence of contextual and interdisciplinary insights, often drawn from edited volumes. Review papers (20) further highlight efforts to consolidate existing findings, which supports the rationale for conducting a systematic review. In contrast, conference papers (3) and books (2) are less represented, potentially due to limited indexing or relevance.

Figure 7 shows the year distribution of publications, revealing an upward trend in scholarly interest in topics related to sustainable development, climate policy, and water security in Africa, particularly from 2020. Between 2011 and 2019, the number of publications remained relatively low, averaging about 3.4 documents per year. However, starting in 2020, there is a marked increase, with a peak in 2024 (21 publications). The increase between 2019 and 2022 could be linked to the IPCC AR6 process. The surge from 2020 aligns with growing global and continental prioritization of climate resilience and water-related issues, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic’s exposure of systemic vulnerabilities. The consistency of high output from 2020 to 2024 underscores a maturing research landscape, with sustained academic engagement and expanding evidence bases informing policy and practice in Africa. Indeed, 2025 is projected to yield a higher volume of studies, with six already published within the first three months. If this trend continues, approximately twenty-four studies could be produced by the end of the year.

3.5. Thematic Analysis

A thematic analysis was adopted for the multi-dimensionality of sustainable development and disaster reduction integration into climate policies for water security in Africa, considering the continent’s vulnerability to climate change, rapid urbanization, and water stress.

Table 4. Thematic analysis summary.

Themes	Measures	Strategies	Practical Application
Policy and Governance Strategies	Mainstreaming Climate Resilience into National Development Plans	Integrating disaster risk reduction and sustainable water management into national development frameworks (e.g., Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans)	Align sectoral policies (agriculture, energy, urban planning) with water security strategies. Improve intergovernmental coordination between water, climate, and disaster agencies. Strengthening legal frameworks to prioritize climate-sensitive water management.
	Participatory and Inclusive Water Governance	Effective water security requires community engagement and multi-stakeholder approaches	Create community-led water resource management committees. Incorporate indigenous knowledge into water security plans. Promote transboundary water cooperation among African countries.
Nature-Based Solutions for Water Security	Ecosystem-Based Adaptation	Protecting and restoring ecosystems (wetlands, forests) can enhance water availability and quality	Implement watershed conservation initiatives to minimize land degradation. Use wetland restoration projects to improve natural water filtration. Promote agroforestry to reduce soil erosion and enhance groundwater recharge.
	Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems	Adopting nature-based infrastructure to manage water efficiently	Construct permeable pavements and green roofs for rainwater absorption. Develop retention ponds and rain gardens to reduce urban flooding. Encourage decentralized wastewater treatment using constructed wetlands.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Technologies	Water–Energy–Food Nexus Approaches	Integrated resource management ensures resilience across sectors	Implement solar-powered irrigation systems to improve water efficiency. Reuse wastewater for irrigation and industrial purposes. Incorporate hydropower into community water delivery initiatives.
	Smart Water Management Technologies	Digital tools can improve monitoring and water conservation	Install IoT-based water sensors for real-time water quality monitoring. Use AI-driven flood early warning systems in disaster-prone regions. Promote mobile-based platforms for water governance and citizen reporting.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer	Strengthening Local Institutions and Research	Building technical and institutional capacity enhances climate adaptation	Create water resilience research hubs at African universities. Train policymakers on integrated water resource management. Enable data-sharing platforms for better decision-making.
	Enhancing Public Awareness and Behavioral Change	Community-led action strengthens climate resilience	Implement water conservation campaigns in schools and local communities. Promote water-saving technologies (e.g., low-flow fixtures) in households Encourage behavioral shifts through water pricing policies and incentives.
Financial and Investment Strategies	Leveraging Climate Finance for Water Security	African countries require sustainable financing mechanisms for climate-resilient water systems	Utilize Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund grants. Develop public-private partnerships for water infrastructure investment. Introducing innovative financing, such as water bonds and insurance schemes.
	Strengthening Risk Transfer Mechanisms	Insurance-based solutions can reduce economic shocks from water-related disasters	Increase climate risk insurance for smallholder farmers. Collaborate with private sector actors to develop drought and flood insurance schemes. Support community-based water resilience projects through microfinance programs.

Source: Authors’ own work.

summarizes the thematic analysis, highlighting key dimensions such as measures, strategic approaches, and practical applications that emerge from the literature. A thorough evaluation of the 95 articles included in the systematic analysis highlighted major subject areas that offer insights into strengthening the integration of disaster mitigation and sustainable development into climate policy frameworks.

4. Discussion

4.1. Overview of Emerging Trends in Water Security

The bibliometric analysis revealed that while integrating sustainable development and disaster mitigation into climate policies to support water security in Africa is growing, it is still relatively unexplored, with only eight African countries matching the inclusion criteria: mainly South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, Uganda, and Congo. This accounts for around 14.8% of Africa’s 54 countries, suggesting low interest in this field. However, many African countries remain on the periphery of this discussion, owing to persisting deficits in research ability, finance, and policy execution [39,40,41]. This demonstrates a regional study bias that may underrepresent low-capacity, climate-vulnerable countries such as Chad, Somalia, and the Central African Republic, despite their extreme exposure to hydrological risk.

The strong co-occurrence of “water management,” “drought,” and “irrigation” highlights the water–agriculture nexus, which has been repeatedly emphasized in the literature as vital for climate adaptation in African contexts [25,38]. The presence of keywords such as “sustainable development goal” and “South Africa” further reflects the normative orientation of ongoing research, suggesting that scholars are aligning with global frameworks such as the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This shift toward more policy-driven, systems-based research mirrors the recommendations by researchers who advocated for intersectoral collaboration and transdisciplinary approaches to address the overlapping challenges of development, disaster risk, and climate change [17,42].

Compared to prior studies that focused either on water security or disaster risk in isolation, this review highlights an emerging trend toward integrated policy solutions, though still fragmented in implementation [43,44,45]. Despite these promising directions, challenges persist. Journal analysis confirms the interdisciplinary nature of this field but also reveals a continued dependence on Global North outlets for disseminating African research. Journals such as Water SA and Jàmba: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies offer regional visibility.

4.2. Overview of the Measures and Strategies to Enhance Water Security in Africa

From the thematic analysis, enhancing water security in Africa requires a multidimensional and integrated approach that addresses the continent’s vulnerability to climate change, rapid urbanization, and weak infrastructure [46]. Policy and governance strategies play a foundational role, including the mainstreaming of climate resilience into national development plans by aligning sectoral policies with water security priorities and improving institutional coordination between climate, disaster, and water agencies [47,48].

Empowering communities through decentralized water management, incorporating indigenous knowledge, and promoting transboundary cooperation can lead to more context-sensitive and sustainable solutions. Some researchers have contended that nature-based solutions, such as watershed protection, wetland restoration, and agroforestry, offer low-cost and ecologically sound strategies for improving water availability and reducing climate and disaster risks [49,50,51]. In urban areas, sustainable drainage systems such as permeable pavements and rain gardens help manage stormwater and reduce flooding.

Climate-resilient infrastructure and smart technologies are crucial in both rural and urban settings. Adopting the water-energy-food nexus framework encourages integrated resource planning that supports cross-sectoral resilience [52]. Financial and investment strategies are needed to scale and sustain these measures within institutions such as the International Development Research Centre [53]. Mobilizing climate finance through the Green Climate Fund, developing public-private partnerships, and introducing innovative mechanisms such as water bonds and climate risk insurance are essential, offering pathways for support [54,55].

Despite these strategies, implementation remains inconsistent across the continent. To achieve long-term adaptation and water security goals, the IPCC AR6 Working Group II identifies several persisting issues, such as fragmented governance, insufficient institutional capacity, and inadequate financial mechanisms [39,56]. Poor coordination across water, climate, and disaster agencies, as well as overlapping roles, frequently hinders policy action. Additionally, other challenges include power imbalances, political will, and low community participation. Research also identifies challenges in applying scientific knowledge to local contexts, particularly when data is poor or development needs compete [57]. Reducing trade-offs, maximizing synergies, and creating resilient pathways for sustainable water management in Africa can be achieved through a coordinated, inclusive, and systems-based strategy that incorporates elements of nature-based solutions, the water–energy–food nexus, and governance reforms. Overcoming these barriers is essential to long-term goals.

5. Conclusions

The study reviewed studies on integrating sustainable development and disaster mitigation into climate policies to support water security in Africa. Specifically, the study answered two questions: (1) What are the current research themes on the integration of sustainable development and disaster mitigation in climate policies to support water security in Africa? (2) What measures and strategies are recommended in the literature, and how can they be practically applied to enhance the integration of sustainable development and disaster reduction in climate policies for water security in Africa? The bibliometric and content analysis revealed that while the field is growing, it is still relatively unexplored in Africa. The study’s findings showed nature-based solutions for water security, climate-resilient infrastructure, capacity building, and knowledge transfer as some of the research themes and identified measures such as ecosystem-based adaptation, sustainable urban drainage systems, water–energy–food nexus approaches, and smart water management technologies as some of the measures to enhance climate policy integration. Keyword analysis indicates a growing acknowledgment of the common cross-cutting challenges faced by the water, agriculture, and climate industries.

In view of the articles that have been systematically reviewed, this study recommends the following measures for policymakers in formulating and implementing integrated climate policies to support water security in Africa:

• Promote nature-based solutions for climate and water resilience to enhance water retention

Policymakers can advocate for the incorporation of nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration, agroforestry, and sustainable urban drainage systems into national and local climate adaptation plans to help mitigate flood and drought risks. These low-cost, ecologically viable strategies should be backed by policy instruments and incentives that encourage ecosystem protection and community-level implementation.

• Scale up sustainable climate financing and risk transfer mechanisms

African governments should expand access to climate finance through mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and public–private partnerships. They should also promote new ideas such as climate insurance, water bonds, and community-based small loans. This will help fund important projects that protect water resources and prepare for future climate challenges.

• Institutionalize strategic environmental and impact assessment tools

By embedding the use of EIA and SEA into policymaking, we can explicitly address the impacts of investments on the environment and people who depend on water security. Using EIA and SEA ensures that projects are safer, more sustainable, and better prepared for climate disasters. It also helps governments avoid mistakes, connect climate actions with disaster prevention, and protect water and ecosystems for the future. Although these tools improve a project’s resilience and sustainability, their success depends on political commitment, institutional competence, and supporting governance.

To achieve water security in Africa, an integrated climate policy implementation that corresponds with global aspirations and local realities is required. The study contends that integration must go beyond alignment and focus on institutional coherence, financial viability, and social inclusion. Failure to consider these factors may cause climate policy to perpetuate existing disparities. As a result, water security in Africa should be prioritized as a sociopolitical endeavor that necessitates clear legal mandates for cross-sectoral climate-water institutions, locally based adaptation plans, and the strategic use of climate finance with measurable integration indicators. Future research must focus more on bridging the gap between theory and practice, especially in low-capacity regions, and explore how climate policies can be improved to support water management in Africa.