海外发展研究所-气候变化，现实变化：萨赫勒地区的移民（英）-2023.5-103页_7mb

Introduction
The Sahel region faces significant climate-related challenges, leading to changes in human mobility. This report examines the links between environmental/climate change and migration in Mali and Sudan using mixed methods, including surveys, focus groups, and policy analysis.

Key Findings

1. Environmental Changes

   • Respondents in Mali and Sudan observed widespread environmental changes, such as deforestation, water scarcity, and irregular rainfall, attributed partly to human activities.
   • Impacts include decreased agricultural production, reduced herd sizes, and food insecurity, particularly affecting farmers, herders, and women.

2. Migration Patterns

   • Migration is increasing, driven by economic factors, climate pressures, and conflict. In Mali, patterns shifted gradually over years, while in Sudan, changes occurred recently due to flooding.
   • Migration is often temporary or seasonal, with rural-to-urban movement common. Young men are most likely to migrate, while older people and women face barriers.

3. Coping and Adaptation

   • Strategies include migration, diversifying income sources, and changing agricultural practices. However, financial constraints and lack of training limit adaptation.
   • Community-based initiatives and remittances support coping, but access to long-term assistance remains limited.

4. Policy Responses

   • National policies in Mali and Sudan often view migration as a problem to be controlled, neglecting its role in adaptation.
   • Evidence gaps and restrictive migration policies further hinder effective support.

Recommendations

1. Humanitarian Actors

   • Acknowledge climate’s role in mobility and address vulnerabilities through inclusive support.
   • Strengthen early warning systems and community resilience programs.

2. National Governments and International Organisations

   • Integrate climate-related mobility into national and regional policies.
   • Remove barriers to migration and invest in adaptation-focused support.

3. International Donors

   • Fund evidence-based research on climate-migration dynamics.
   • Expand support for both migrants and displaced communities.

This report underscores the need for holistic, localized strategies to address climate-driven mobility and vulnerability in the Sahel.