Chad: Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Human Mobility and Migration

Chad is facing severe challenges due to climate change, including increased natural hazards that threaten livelihoods and force migration. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is actively collecting data to understand these dynamics, though comprehensive data remains limited. This dashboard presents insights based on data gathered in 2023, emphasizing the need for improved information to address climate impacts on mobility effectively.

Environmental changes are increasingly acknowledged as a pivotal and multifaceted challenge, particularly in the Sahel region of West and Central Africa, where Chad is situated. The country is experiencing a marked increase in the frequency and severity of natural hazards, such as floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures, largely attributable to climate change. This situation exacerbates disasters and incites conflicts, compelling or motivating populations to relocate.

Chad is notably vulnerable to climate change effects, grappling with issues like desertification, dwindling water resources, and erratic rainfall patterns. These factors jeopardize the livelihoods of its predominantly agrarian and pastoral communities. Historically, Chad has served as a source, destination, and transit point for various migration flows. However, comprehensive data concerning environmental migration within the nation is scarce, which hampers a thorough understanding of the intricate links between climate change, natural disasters, and migration dynamics.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) plays a crucial role in systematically collecting and analyzing data regarding population movements at various levels. Its efforts position the organization well to utilize data collection tools that address existing gaps related to human mobility in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. Within Chad, IOM employs the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to collate and analyze information pertinent to the mobility, vulnerabilities, and needs of displaced and mobile populations. This detailed information enables decision-makers to offer targeted and context-specific assistance.

The data presented in this dashboard reflects the impact of climate change, environmental degradation, and natural hazards on human mobility within Chad. It is based on datasets gathered via DTM between March and August 2023, employing various methodologies. It is crucial to note that these tools were not originally designed to specifically capture data on climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters as they relate to human mobility. Consequently, the insights provided by this dashboard are somewhat limited, only offering a constrained view of the climatic and environmental impacts on migration in Chad during 2023.

The intersection of climate change and human mobility has emerged as a pressing concern, especially in regions like the Sahel, where environmental factors directly affect livelihoods and migration patterns. Chad, situated within this region, is characterized by severe environmental challenges that exacerbate human misery and displacement. With a primarily agrarian population facing declining resources and increasing environmental instability, the need for comprehensive data on these dynamics becomes imperative to inform policies and humanitarian interventions.

In summary, the increasing effects of climate change in Chad pose significant threats to the stability and livelihoods of its populations. IOM’s initiatives to collect and analyze mobility data are crucial for understanding and responding to these challenges effectively. However, the ongoing scarcity of targeted data limits the full exploration of the climate-migration nexus, highlighting the necessity for enhanced data collection efforts to better address the impacts of environmental changes on human mobility in Chad.

Original Source: reliefweb.int