Understanding the need for climate adaptation of small and medium enterprises in Kenya and Uganda

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

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Abstract: Extreme weather threatens businesses worldwide,but there is relatively little understanding of climate risks to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa,where they contribute on average more than 60 per cent of all employment and half GDP. In Kenya and Uganda,for example,the focus of this study,SMEs employ approximately 80 and 90 per cent of the workforce respectively,and contribute close to 45 per cent of Kenya’s GDP.1,2 SMEs also play an important role in community recovery from disaster. A 2013 study by the United Nations Development Programme notes that micro,small and medium enterprises help to restore the economic fabric of communities in the wake of disaster.