Thermal Comfort and Energy Resilience of Urban Households Facing Climate Change: a Case Study in Dakar
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: In the context of accelerated climate warming and rapid urbanization, the thermal comfort of urban households is a major issue for energy sustainability and quality of life. This article analyzes the perceptions and thermal adaptation strategies of households in Dakar, an emblematic city of sub-Saharan Africa. Based on a quantitative survey conducted among 354 residents across the five departments of Dakar, we examine energy practices, housing conditions, and motivations related to energy consumption.The results reveal that while 66.1% of households report being generally comfortable, nearly 29% experience recurrent thermal discomfort. The preferred strategies are opening windows (95.8%) and using fans (91%), while air conditioning remains marginal (18%). The reduction in energy consumption is primarily motivated by economic reasons (61.9%), although environmental concerns are growing (48.3%). The structural limitations of housing, particularly insufficient thermal insulation, exacerbate household vulnerability. The discussion places these results in an international comparative perspective, highlighting the specificities of Dakar compared to other African and Asian cities. The study underscores the need to align public policies, technical innovations, and community practices to promote sustainable and equitable thermal comfort.
Institution: Université de Thiès
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415566530