Comparative Analysis of Carbon Sequestration Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Economic Implications and Challenges

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a dual challenge: contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions while bearing disproportionate climate change impacts, yet possessing vast natural capital for carbon sequestration. This systematic review provides a comparative analysis of carbon sequestration solutions in SSA, examining agroforestry systems, conservation agriculture, forest restoration (including REDD+), soil carbon management, biochar application, and grassland management. Drawing on over 145 peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews published between 2000–2026, we synthesize evidence on sequestration potentials, economic viability, and implementation challenges across diverse agroecological zones. Results indicate that agroforestry systems offer substantial carbon sequestration potential (0.5–15 t C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) alongside livelihood co-benefits, while conservation agriculture shows equivocal evidence for soil carbon enhancement unless all three principles are fully applied. REDD+ initiatives face persistent challenges in benefit-sharing, with local communities often receiving less than 5% of net proceeds. The global carbon market is projected to reach $100 billion annually by 2030, yet Africa supplies 20% of credits while capturing merely 5% of proceeds. Key barriers include insecure land tenure, inadequate monitoring and verification systems, limited technical capacity, governance inefficiencies, and insufficient climate finance with Africa facing a $2.5–2.8 trillion climate finance gap by 2030. The study conclude that no single solution suffices; effective carbon sequestration in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) requires integrated, context-specific approaches that prioritize community participation, secure tenure rights, robust measurement frameworks, and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms.

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