Environmental change and migration in Sub-Saharan Africa

Environmental changes are especially pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Land degradation is nowadays a major concern for 32 countries in Africa, and over 300 million people in SSA face water scarcity (UNEP, 2008). To what extent are environmental factors likely to trigger migration in SSA? To shed some light on the question, this paper provides the latest figures and information. The evidence from different branches of the literature – environmental sciences, migration research as well as development economics – is analysed. A focus on the four countries: Ghana, Mozambique, Niger, and Senegal, offers more specific perspectives from different regions in SSA.