A Qualitative Exploration of the Influence of Climate Change on Migration of Women in the Riverine Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The riverine region of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, faces a critical issue as the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to traditional livelihoods, disproportionately affect women. This qualitative study aimed to fill a gap in understanding by exploring the nuanced ways in which these environmental challenges influence the migration decisions of women who have fled floods, remain displaced, and have opted not to return to prevent potential negative experiences linked to future flooding in the region. The research delves into the interplay between climate change, gender dynamics, and community resilience. Employing an exploratory research design with purposive and snowball sampling techniques, the study selected 51 female participants. Through 24 in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions, the research captured the nuanced experiences of women grappling with the challenges posed by climate change. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the collected data. The study unveiled that climate change significantly shapes the migration decisions of women in the riverine area of Bayelsa State. This influence manifests through disrupted livelihoods, flooding, water scarcity, diseases and health challenges, housing insecurity, increased environmental vulnerabilities, and uncertain future prospects. These findings underscore the pressing need for gender-responsive policies and community-based strategies to address the complex interplay between climate change impacts and women’s migration experiences.

Insights, beliefs, and myths surrounding tuberculosis among pulmonary patients with delayed healthcare access in a high-burden TB state in Nigeria – a qualitative inquiry

“…Additionally, peer review feedback from colleagues and subject matter experts reinforced the analysis's rigor. Following expert feedback, the themes were revised and finalized, as presented in the manuscript's results section, shedding light on the complex landscape of TB beliefs and myths among pulmonary patients in Nigeria (Michael, 2024).…”

Adapting to climate change-induced flooding: insights from women traders in the riverine areas of Nigeria—a qualitative study

“…Preliminary findings were shared with the participants for member checking, affording them the opportunity to validate or contribute additional insights to the interpretation of their experiences (Rolfe, 2006). Map of Bayelsa state highlighting the riverine areas within the study region (Michael, 2024).…”

“…In sub-Saharan Africa, where 74.7 million people both face flood exposure and live in extreme poverty out of 176 million flood-exposed individuals, this intersection is most pronounced (Rentschler et al, 2022). In the region, floods have disrupted trading and transportation routes, damaged infrastructure and destroyed crops, leading to supply chain disruptions and reduced productivity, with gender dynamics playing a crucial role in increasing vulnerability (Awazi et al, 2023;Michael, 2024). Women are more vulnerable to the flooding due to social and economic factors, including limited access to resources, restricted mobility, and unequal decision-making power (Ibrahim and Mensah, 2022;Perelli et al, 2024).…”

“…The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) identifies Bayelsa as a high-risk state for floods, with instances documented (Ejike, 2022). The aftermath of these floods in Bayelsa has been impactful, submerging homes and farmlands and displacing hundreds of thousands of residents (Petracca et al, 2022;Michael, 2024).…”