Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Climate Science (SMC)

Background of the Programme 

This PGD programme is offered by The African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) in partnership with West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria.

The programme is designed to equip researchers, policymakers, and climate professionals with the methodological tools necessary to critically synthesize existing scientific evidence related to climate change and its impacts. As the field of climate research grows increasingly complex and interdisciplinary, the ability to conduct rigorous and transparent systematic reviews and meta-analyses has become essential for informing evidence-based policy and practice. This programme addresses a critical gap in research capacity by providing specialized training in systematic data collection, statistical synthesis, and quality assessment of studies focused on climate-related phenomena such as extreme weather, carbon emissions, adaptation strategies, and ecosystem responses. Rooted in international best practices, the programme supports the development of high-quality, reproducible research outputs that can guide climate action at local, regional, and global scales. 

Mission
The mission is to strengthen the scientific foundation for climate action and decision-making by building a skilled cadre of researchers and professionals capable of producing high-quality, evidence-based insights to inform climate science, policy, and practice through methodological rigor and transparency. 

Rationale 
Addressing the most complex and urgent challenges of climate change, requiring informed and timely decisions based on the best available scientific evidence. However, the vast and rapidly growing body of climate-related literature can be overwhelming and often yields conflicting results, making it difficult for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to derive clear conclusions. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses offer a structured and transparent approach to synthesizing research findings, minimizing bias, and identifying knowledge gaps. Despite their critical value, there is a shortage of professionals in the climate field with the specialized training needed to conduct such analyses. The Programme addresses this gap by empowering candidates to produce reliable, policy-relevant evidence, thereby enhance the quality and credibility of climate research and support more effective responses to climate risks and opportunities. 

Target Groups 

• Early-career and mid-career climate researchers
• Postgraduate students in climate science, environmental studies, or related fields
• Data analysts and statisticians working in environmental and climate sectors
• Policymakers and government officials engaged in climate policy and planning
• Staff of International development agencies and donor organizations
• Environmental consultants and practitioners
• Professionals in research institutions and think tanks 
• Journal editors and reviewers who assess climate science publications

Programme Requirement

In addition to an Ordinary Level (O’Level) School Leaving Certificate, participants in the course are expected to have Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Epidemiology, Meteorology, Public Health, Physics, Statistics, Remote Sensing and GIS, or any other related fields. Participants with at least five years of professional experience in a field related to any of the fields mentioned above can also be considered. 

Aims of the Programme 

• Equip participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses in climate-related research.
• Promote the use of transparent, rigorous, and reproducible methods for synthesizing scientific evidence in climate science.
• Enhance the capacity of researchers and practitioners to critically appraise and integrate diverse sources of climate data and literature.
• Support evidence-based decision-making by generating high-quality research outputs that inform climate policy, planning, and practice.

Goal: 
The goal is to develop participants’ expertise in conducting comprehensive literature searching, data extraction, statistical synthesis, and critical appraisal of scientific evidence tailored to climate research. 

Learning Objectives  

• Develop a deep understanding of principles, tools, best techniques and their applications for conducting high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis in climate research.
• Learn how to design and implement a systematic review process, including search strategies, study selection, and data extraction for climate-related research.
• Understand how to write comprehensive review articles and meta-analysis reports for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Expected Learning Outcomes 

• Perform meta-analyses and manage data from selected studies, demonstrating a clear understanding of climate research landscape in ensuring transparency and reproducibility. 
• Write and present findings for academic and non-academic audiences, translating complex data into accessible insights for decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Apply the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to inform climate policy development, adaptation planning, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of methodological rigor in using systematic reviews or meta-analyses to address key knowledge gaps in research proposals

Content: 

First Semester

• Introduction to Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 
• Research Design and Protocol Development 
• Search Strategy and Data Management
• Quality and Risk of Bias Assessment
• Basic Biostatistics
• Project/Dissertation

  Second Semester

• Systematic Reviews in Climate Change and Sustainability 
• Meta-Analysis and Quantitative Synthesis
• Qualitative and Mixed Methods Synthesis            
• Tools for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
• Ethics, Transparency, and Reproducibility in Evidence Synthesis 
• Project/Dissertation

Programme Structure

The 10-month programme will be completed in two semesters. The first semester contains five courses of 12 teaching weeks (3 months) with the commencement of student project/dissertation in a period of 2 months while the second semester also contains five courses of 12 teaching weeks (3 months) during which the students will complete their project/dissertation in additional period of 2months. There shall be a one-month semester break and for holidays, respectively.

Career prospects:The Diploma Programme in Systematic Review and Meta Analysis for Climate Science opens up high-impact career development. Potential opportunities include systematic review specialist, evidence synthesis expert, climate policy advisor, climate analyst, data scientist, adaptation specialist, environmental statistician, science communication expert, and consultant for multilateral projects for research consortia, governments agencies, international NGOs, UN agencies, and other development programmes.

Accreditation: The programme is hosted by an accredited Centre under the national and international accreditations decisive for the University’s quality management system. The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Nigeria is certified to offer and promote academic, vocational and professional training. The academic programmes at the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), FUTA, Nigeria have full international accreditations by the High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES) France, and the University occupies the 3^rd position in current university rankings in Nigeria. All FUTA programmes were accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Credit transfer: Transfer of credits earned on successful completion of the two semesters to other universities/higher educational institutions recognized as equivalent to those of Nigerian Universities by the National Universities Commission.

Mode of Delivery

The PGD Programme in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Climate Science (SMC) is delivered through in-person learning to foster hands-on interaction and practical engagement. Participants have the option to enroll at either of the two designated learning centers:

• Nairobi, Kenya
• Akure, Nigeria

The programme’s in-person format ensures active mentorship, peer learning, and access to institutional resources vital for applied climate research.

Fees

• Tuition Fee:
  • USD 160 for African nationals
  • USD 250 for non-African nationals

Note: 

• Applicants are required to upload proof of payment of the application fee at the point of submitting their application form.
• The tuition fee covers only academic instruction and institutional services. It does not include costs related to accommodation, travel, meals, health insurance, or other personal expenses. Participants are responsible for arranging and funding these independently.