Navigating Mobility in the Sahel: How Migration and Climate Change Demand Social Protection Reform

A World Bank report highlights how migration, driven by economic, social, and environmental factors, is reshaping the Sahel. It calls for more flexible social protection systems to address the needs of migrants and the growing challenges of climate change and displacement.

A new policy note from the World Bank’s Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Program (SASPP), authored by Yashodhan Ghorpade and Aline Coudouel, sheds light on the intricate dynamics of population mobility in the Sahel region and how social protection systems need to evolve to meet the challenges of a highly mobile population. Covering countries such as Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Senegal, the report explores how migration, both voluntary and forced, is reshaping the socio-economic landscape of the region. The research emphasizes that the Sahel’s population, particularly its rural inhabitants, is increasingly on the move, driven by a combination of economic, social, and environmental factors. These migrations create opportunities but also present significant risks, particularly for those who are displaced by conflict or environmental degradation. The note calls for a comprehensive rethinking of social protection systems, which traditionally assume a sedentary population, to ensure they are more inclusive of migrants and can effectively address the vulnerabilities associated with mobility.

Economic Opportunities and Social Drivers of Migration

The Sahel region, known for its vast rural areas and agrarian economies, has seen millions of people moving within and across its borders in search of better opportunities. According to the SASPP report, more than 47 million people, or about 27% of the population aged 15 and older in the five major Sahel countries, have experienced internal migration. Economic motivations are the primary drivers, particularly wage differences between rural and urban areas. In countries like Chad and Senegal, where urban wages are significantly higher, many people are drawn to cities in search of better-paying jobs. Migration flows also have a strong seasonal component, with pastoralist communities practicing transhumance moving livestock between grazing areas in different seasons. However, not all migration is voluntary or economically driven. Social factors, such as marriage and family reunification, also play a significant role, especially among women. The report points out that women often migrate for marriage, while men are more likely to move for employment or education. In addition, cultural traditions, such as the expectation that young people should migrate to demonstrate their transition into adulthood, continue to shape migration patterns.

Risks and Vulnerabilities Along Migration Journeys

Despite the opportunities migration presents, it also comes with a set of risks that can exacerbate the vulnerability of migrants and their families. Many migrants, particularly those who move from rural to urban areas, face challenges such as poverty, lack of access to basic services, and the absence of social networks. Migrants may find themselves in low-paying, unregulated jobs that offer little security or protection, making them more susceptible to exploitation. Women and children are particularly vulnerable during migration, facing heightened risks of trafficking, forced labor, and physical abuse. Additionally, migrants often encounter barriers to accessing healthcare, education, and social protection services, especially if they do not possess the necessary identification documents. In countries like Chad, Mali, and Niger, the lack of documentation is a significant issue, limiting migrants' ability to secure better jobs or access essential services. For internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, the situation can be even more precarious. The report notes that the number of IDPs in the Sahel is expected to grow by 24% by 2025, increasing the strain on already stretched social services.

The Need for Flexible Social Protection Systems

One of the key findings of the SASPP report is that existing social protection systems in the Sahel are often ill-equipped to meet the needs of mobile populations. Many programs are designed with a sedentary population in mind, meaning they fail to account for the realities of migration. This “sedentary bias” can result in the exclusion of migrants from vital programs, even when they meet the eligibility criteria. For instance, social protection programs that require proof of residence may inadvertently disqualify households with migrant members. Similarly, the conditions attached to certain programs such as attendance at regular meetings may be difficult for migrants or their families to meet, particularly if they are frequently on the move. To address these challenges, the report advocates for several reforms to make social protection systems more flexible and responsive to the needs of migrants. These include allowing for on-demand registration, enabling the portability of benefits across regions, and adapting the timing and content of program interventions to better align with migration patterns.

Climate Change Intensifies Migration Pressures

The intersection of migration and climate change is another critical issue highlighted in the report. The Sahel is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which is intensifying environmental degradation, including desertification and droughts. These factors are increasingly forcing people to migrate, either temporarily or permanently. The report emphasizes that climate change is not only a driver of migration but also a factor that can compound existing vulnerabilities. As rural livelihoods become more precarious due to changing weather patterns, more people are expected to move to urban areas, further straining the resources of cities that are already struggling to cope with rapid population growth. The projected increase in internally displaced persons and refugees underscores the urgent need for social protection systems that can respond to the specific needs of people displaced by environmental disasters.

Towards a Mobility-Inclusive Future for the Sahel

The report calls for a fundamental shift in how social protection programs in the Sahel are designed and implemented. By integrating a “mobility lens” into policy frameworks, social protection systems can become more inclusive and better equipped to support migrants and their families. This approach not only addresses the vulnerabilities associated with migration but also helps to unlock the potential benefits of mobility for individuals, families, and communities. The Sahel region’s future prosperity will depend, in part, on its ability to manage the challenges of migration while ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind.