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Paper short abstract:

Women are among the most vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate related migration and immobility. I will discuss how gender influences migration and immobility in the context of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa, to add to the growing body of literature.

Paper long abstract:

Climate change has caused devastating impact on migration and immobility in sub-Saharan Africa. However, gender and patriarchal traditions influence people's decision to migrate in search for food and livelihoods, while others stay despite growing climate risk due to spiritual and historical attachment to a place, a sense of identity and belonging, or the lack of money and poor health. Among the most vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change, which can drive migration or immobility, are women, as they may have limited resources to adapt and cope with changing climate. For instance, the impact of climate change on natural resources such as water and land can lead to increased competition and conflict, further exacerbating power imbalances and making it difficult for women to access the resources they need to survive. Additionally, one fourth of all economically active women are engaged in agriculture globally, where they must contend with climate consequences such as crop failure and food security and by 2050, wheat production alone may fall by 36% in sub-Saharan Africa. Climate migration and immobility, particularly its relation to gender has recently triggered a growing body of literature. Using the indicator approach, this paper draws upon review of available literature and data that examines gender and vulnerability to climate-induced migration, while recognizing its interrelationship with immobility to transform this complex challenge into opportunities.