This article examines the effects of climate change on pastoralist migration in Northern Senegal, focusing on herders’ adaptive strategies in the face of environmental variability. The study highlights the gendered dimensions of migration, revealing how male herders relocate and the impact this has on the women remaining in their communities. It contributes to understanding climate mobility and affirms the need for gender-responsive adaptation strategies.
Climate change is significantly reshaping the socio-economic landscape in Senegal, particularly influencing pastoralist communities. This study investigates the internal migration patterns of herders from Northern Senegal, specifically from the Ferlo Reserve, as they respond to climate variability by relocating to the Kédougou region. Emphasizing a gender-focused perspective, the research delves into how male herders employ migration as a strategy to counteract climate-induced challenges, while also assessing the repercussions this has on the women who remain in their village during these extended absences. The findings underscore a complex interplay between migration aspirations, climate risks, and adaptation strategies within both rural and semi-urban contexts, contributing valuable insights for the development of gender-responsive adaptation policies.
The interrelation between climate change and human mobility is a pressing issue, particularly in regions reliant on pastoralism, such as Northern Senegal. The Ferlo Reserve serves as a critical zone for herders affected by shifting environmental conditions, requiring mobility as an adaptive strategy. This context reveals how migration is not merely a response to immediate environmental pressures but is also shaped by gender dynamics. Understanding these nuances is essential for crafting effective adaptation strategies that take into account the distinct roles and challenges faced by men and women in pastoral societies.
This comprehensive study of pastoralist migration in Northern Senegal highlights the critical role of gender in understanding climate mobility. By examining the adaptive measures undertaken by male herders and the subsequent impacts on women left behind, it sheds light on the intricate socio-economic threads woven by climate change. The aim is to inform strategies that are responsive to the unique challenges encountered by both genders, ultimately promoting sustainable adaptation to the changing climate.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
