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A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Studies Assessing the Relationship between Water and Conflict on the African Continent

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  • Elizabeth A. Mack

    (Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Richard A. Marcantonio

    (Department of Management and Organization and Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA)

  • Erin Bunting

    (Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Amanda Ross

    (Department of Economics, Finance, and Legal Studies, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA)

  • Andrew Zimmer

    (School of Geography, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

  • Leo C. Zulu

    (Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Edna Liliana Gómez Fernández

    (School of Government and Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

  • Jay Herndon

    (Department of Economics, Finance, and Legal Studies, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA)

  • Geoffrey M. Henebry

    (Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

Abstract

Since the seminal 2012 Special Issue of the Journal of Peace Research about climate change and conflict, at least 35 review papers on the topic have been published. To our knowledge, none of these reviews focused on water and conflict specifically. In order to address this research gap, the present article conducts a systematic review of scholarship examining the linkages between water and conflict, focusing on quantitative studies using secondary data sources. This review focuses on the African continent given projections about the intersection between water issues and conflict in this region, as well as the popularity of this portion of the world in studies of climate change and conflict. We discuss the findings of papers reviewed and propose six avenues for future research. As research about this topic advances, it will require attention to nuances in data processing, integration, and modeling across spatial and temporal scales, if the outcomes of this body of scholarship are to be leveraged to guide the decision making of governing bodies.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth A. Mack & Richard A. Marcantonio & Erin Bunting & Amanda Ross & Andrew Zimmer & Leo C. Zulu & Edna Liliana Gómez Fernández & Jay Herndon & Geoffrey M. Henebry, 2022. "A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Studies Assessing the Relationship between Water and Conflict on the African Continent," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:22:p:14912-:d:970159
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    References listed on IDEAS

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