From air quality data to actions for clean air for vulnerable populations in African developing countries

There can be no sustainable development without clean air. Tackling air quality issues in African cities is particularly important.

The region has the highest rate of urbanisation and population growth, yet it is least equipped to adapt, both socially and economically to the effects of air pollution e.g. increased mortality. Air pollution and poverty are two tightly interlinked challenges in Africa. Here the poor are often being left behind in the protection against the risks of air pollution.

Air pollution composition, sources and levels are not well described in African cities.

However, more data does not necessarily lead to actions for clean air without translating it to useful information.Thus, the overarching aim of this project is to understand how one can lower the hindrance for implementation of efficient air pollution abatement strategies.

To achieve this aim research from Kenya, South Africa and Sweden on mapping and abating of air pollution will be co-aligned to advance implementation of actions for clean air to vulnerable populations in Africa. We will develop and evaluate tools for effective, evidence-based and inclusive participatory policymaking.

We will utilise the power of young people and targeting school children as a mediator to facilitate implementation of efficient air pollution abatement strategies. The results will be disseminated on both local (study areas) and highest international level, i.e. UNEP.