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- Convenors:
-
Eric Hahonou
(Roskilde University)
Cécile Damas Artigaud (Université Sorbonne Paris Nord)
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- Discussant:
-
Sihé Neya
(Independent Researcher, starting a post-doct research on December 1, 2026 at Roskilde University)
- Format:
- Panel
- Disciplinary streams:
- Anthropology
Short Abstract
This panel explores how im/mobility patterns and livelihoods are being reconfigured under condition of multiple crises. The Sahelian case serves as a point of reference to examine how African current political developments and environmental challenges impact livelihood strategies and im/mobilities
Long Abstract
Historically, migration in the Sahel has been an important strategy to cope with uncertainty. Regional circulations have enabled households to spread risks while maintaining strong ties to their locality and communities. However, in contexts characterised by mounting uncertainties and precarity due to climate change, change of political regimes, insecurity and violent conflicts, Sahelians’ strategies and im/mobility patterns within the West African region are considerably transforming.
In a decolonial gaze, this panel focuses on how the combined effects of multiple crises impact livelihoods, family structure, coping strategies and mobility patterns of civilians.
The panel aims to explore the ways in which current geopolitical developments inside and outside the Alliance des Etats du Sahel (AES) contribute to reconfiguring the livelihoods of displaced populations and host communities, and the governance of im/mobility.
What new light can be brought to examine dynamics of translocality? How do we make sense of households’ im/mobility strategies? How do new migration patterns and displacement dynamics challenge traditional structures, gender roles or family configurations? What are the consequences on social reproduction and care relations? What can be learned from other im/mobility configurations in other parts of Africa?
These current dynamics necessitate renewed scrutiny and a variety of epistemologies, conceptual frameworks and analytical perspectives. The Sahel case will serve as an entry point to contrast its transformations with those occurring in other parts of Africa. Although the panel is situated in the Anthropology stream, it warmly welcomes papers from other disciplines and other empirical cases from the African continent.