Challenges to Effective Implementation of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies in Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The impacts of climate change have intensified the global urgency for effective implementation of mitigation and adaptation strategies in developing countries, where vulnerability is highest and implementation capacity is limited. The translation of climate policies in vulnerable communities remains weak and problematic despite the growing investment from governments, international development agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and the private sector. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was conducted using peer-reviewed to identify key challenges development agencies and governments experience in implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Results were thematically synthesized into implementation challenges such as limited financial resources and high investment costs, insufficient government support and weak political will, inadequate knowledge and climate information, limited institutional capacity and fragmented governance structures, poor stakeholder coordination and sociocultural limitations. The review finds that these barriers are interconnected, limited finances undermine institutional capacity, weak governance affects stakeholder coordination, while inadequate knowledge leads to implementation failures at all levels. The findings underscore the need for integrated and context-based implementation strategies to mitigate implementation challenges. The review concludes by proposing directions for transformative governance reform, home-grown financing solutions and adaptive project management approaches capable of sustaining climate action within the complex realities of developing countries.