Youth responses to climate change: a systematic review of evidence on economic resilience strategies from low- and middle-income countries

Despite the crippling effects of climate change on economic ventures, a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on the resilience strategies adopted by youth in low- and middle-income countries is still lacking. This systematic review examines economic resilience strategies adopted by youth in LMICs amid adverse climate conditions. Six databases were systematically searched using a combination of standardized terms relevant to climate change and economic resilience. A total of 853 studies were screened, after which data were extracted from 39 studies and analysed using emerging themes in economic resilience strategies that youth in LMICs have adopted to foster their economic well-being under adverse climatic conditions. During adverse climatic conditions, youth have adopted five categories of resilience strategies: agricultural practices and innovation, economic diversification and livelihood strategies, capacity building and training, community and institutional support and resource management and environmental conservation. These strategies have contributed to improvements in various indicators of youth economic resilience, including agricultural productivity and access to economic and livelihood opportunities. Evidence of the potentially crucial role of diversification in youth economic resilience underscores the need for cross-sector investments so that youth will have more options beyond agriculture.