Rapid desk based evidence search and gap analysis on environmental degradation and pollution in developing countries

This study has collated information on the role that pollution (air, water and soil pollution) has played in environmental degradation and the consequences of such degradation for human well-being, poverty. The report has primarily collated information from investigative studies that have been conducted in DFID priority countries of sub-Saharan Africa; additional information from key studies is also provided for South and
South East Asia DFID countries.

The information has primarily been gathered from the peer reviewed literature, but also from reports of accredited organisations such as WHO, UNEP, World Bank). The report uses literature published over the last 5 to 8 years.

The report is not intended to be a comprehensive, systematic review of the literature but rather a review that identifies a number of particular pathways that represent the variety in the biophysical, socio-economic and political constructs by which pollution and environmental degradation influence human-wellbeing and poverty.