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Paper short abstract:

This study advances theoretical and practical insights on how formal state-led and social networks can combine to build resilience to the climate crisis among businesses in African contexts.

Paper long abstract:

The dominant narrative in research and policy domains is the government’s role in providing support that helps the stability of small businesses, who, although regarded as the strength of the economy, are also the most vulnerable to risks from climate change impacts. These notions have been reinforced by governments’ active role in global conversations about climate change, with expectations that they develop appropriate local responses that help businesses. But do government leadership and policy responses help small businesses to build resilience, especially in Africa’s fragile economies? I seek answers to this question by assessing how small businesses build resilience to the climate crisis, and which actors are most effective in driving this, using Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, as a case study. I draw evidence from a mixed methods research approach combining semi-structured interviews of key actors with surveys administered to 200 business owners in Lagos. Drawing on the evidence obtained, I argue that while business owners are aware of the implications of climate change for their businesses and are positively disposed to act, they draw more on support from social networks. Thus, contrary to the much-vaunted leadership role of governments in driving adaptation and mitigation strategies for different sectors, social and business networks constitute the most important actors for small businesses, necessitating a bigger role for them in global climate change conversations. My analysis advances theoretical and practical insights on how formal state-led and social networks can combine to build resilience to the climate crisis among businesses in fragile contexts.