In Chad, climate change is exacerbating natural hazards and threatening the livelihoods of its predominantly agrarian and pastoral communities, leading to increased human mobility. IOM is systematically collecting data to understand these dynamics better. Although tools used for data collection were not specifically designed for this purpose, the insights aim to inform humanitarian responses and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive data regarding environmental migration in Chad.
Environmental change has emerged as a critical issue affecting human mobility, economic systems, and infrastructure in Chad, particularly in the context of climate change. Located in the Sahel region, Chad is experiencing an escalation in natural hazards—such as droughts, floods, and extreme heat—which are intensifying due to climate change. These environmental challenges not only threaten the livelihoods of Chad’s predominantly agrarian and pastoral populations but also exacerbate existing conflicts that may compel individuals to migrate either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Chad’s historical migrations involve diverse flows of people, serving as an origin, destination, and transit point. However, there exists a substantial gap in comprehensive data regarding environmental migration within the country, preventing a thorough understanding of the relationship between climate change and migration dynamics. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is actively endeavoring to fill this gap through systematic data collection and analysis of population movements. Leveraging its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), IOM is positioned to gather crucial information on the mobility, vulnerabilities, and needs of displaced populations.
In 2023, IOM utilized various tools to collect data on the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on human mobility in Chad. Despite the broader focus of these tools, they were not specifically designed to capture data on climate-related movements. Consequently, the dashboard produced presents a constrained overview of the climate and environmental impacts on human migration and mobility within Chad. Nonetheless, it establishes a foundational understanding of the context in which these transformations occur.
This data holds immense value for decision makers and humanitarian responders who are tasked with providing suitable assistance to vulnerable populations. The insights gleaned from the DTM not only enhance situational awareness but also enable context-specific interventions driven by empirical evidence.
Chad, located in the Sahel region of West and Central Africa, faces acute challenges stemming from climate change, including desertification, diminished water resources, and erratic rainfall patterns. This environmental degradation undermines the livelihoods of communities who rely heavily on agriculture and pastoralism. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, Chad experiences a rise in natural disasters, prompting migration as a response to both environmental stresses and conflicts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective humanitarian responses, yet comprehensive data remains limited. The International Organization for Migration has stepped in to systematically collect and analyze data on population movements, aiming to address these gaps and provide insights into the interplay between climate change, displacement, and human mobility.
The effects of climate change on human mobility in Chad present pressing challenges that require urgent attention and action. As the frequency of natural hazards increases, the need for comprehensive data becomes more critical for informing responses to displacement and migration. The efforts by IOM, particularly through the Displacement Tracking Matrix, signify a vital step towards understanding these linkages better. Ultimately, addressing the implications of climate change on human mobility in Chad will necessitate concerted efforts from various stakeholders to formulate effective and sustainable interventions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
