Exploring the interplay between climate, migration and urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa

This report, produced as Deliverable 2.3 of the EU-funded ALBATROSS project (Grant Agreement No. 101137895), explores the interplay between climate change, migration, and urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and South Africa. Developed under Work Package 2, the report synthesizes scientific literature, policy documents, expert interviews, and country-level evidence to examine how climate-related hazards and broader socio-economic dynamics shape human mobility and urban development across diverse African contexts.

The report challenges linear narratives that portray climate change as a direct and isolated driver of migration. Instead, it highlights the complex, non-linear, and context-dependent nature of climate-related mobility, emphasizing the role of livelihoods, inequalities, governance, social networks, aspirations, and capabilities. It also underlines the importance of immobility, translocal connections, and circular migration as key dimensions of adaptation and resilience.

Through five country case studies, the report analyses climate trends and impacts, migration dynamics, urbanization patterns, and relevant policy frameworks. It identifies common policy and governance gaps, including fragmented institutional frameworks, limited local capacity, insufficient data, and weak integration of migration into climate adaptation and urban planning.

The report concludes with policy recommendations for national governments, regional bodies, development partners, and local authorities. It calls for integrated approaches that recognize migration not only as a challenge, but also as a potential adaptation strategy, and that support inclusive, climate-resilient development in both origin and destination areas.