When Migration Encounters Adaptation in Africa: Engaging with Climate Hazard and Armed Conflict
Publisher: Sustainable Development
Author(s): Hyun Kim, Hana Kim, Hyewon Kim, and Kyle Maurice Woosnam
Date: 2025
Topics: Climate Change, Governance
This work examined the potential role of climate adaptation in migration influenced by armed conflict or climate hazard, using panel data at grid and country levels in Africa between 1995 and 2015. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity, the research emphasizes four key goals: good health and well-being (SDG 3), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), climate action (SDG 13), and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). Results suggest that armed conflict and climate hazard are closely related to increased migration, but agricultural productivity is relevant to the decrease in migration. Further, our study highlights that climate adaptation mitigates migration pressures associated with both armed conflict and climate risks. These results underscore the potential of climate adaptation as a policy tool to address the interconnected challenges of climate hazards, armed conflict, and migration while advancing the SDGs.