Gendered migration responses to drought in Malawi

Abstract

Migration is a common means of adaptation to weather shocks. Previous research has identified heterogeneous effects according to age, sex, and wealth, but little is still known about how marriage-related institutions affect such migration. Relying on a quasi-experimental identification strategy, we analyze marriage- and work-related migration in Malawi following large droughts, separating the effects for female and male migrants according to different age groups. The analysis based on stated motives of migration reveals marginal decreases in marriage-related migration among girls, but increases in marriage-related migration within districts for women in older age groups. We also find large increases in work-related between-district migration for boys, and to a smaller extent also for girls following severe drought. The results add to the evidence of the potentially adverse effects of migration as a coping mechanism following drought when other means of insurance do not exist.

Association between child, early, and forced marriage and extreme weather events: A mixed-methods systematic review

“…Some studies closely considered were later excluded from the final group of articles. For example, some articles had research aims related to GBV broadly (Rezwana and Pain, 2021), gendered vulnerabilities (Becerra-Valbuena and Millock, 2021; Randriamparany and Randrianalijaona, 2022), children’s coping strategies (Mudavanhu and Bongo, 2015), polygyny (Dessy et al, 2021), or marriage markets (Das and Dasgupta, 2022) in the context of extreme weather, however, they lacked focus on CEFM. Another study described using a case study methodology, but upon full-text review, it did not meet our eligibility criteria of empiricism (McLeod et al, 2019).…”

Strengthening the science–policy interface in the climate migration field

“…Policy processes are often dominated by men, as is the case in the UNFCCC negotiations (UNFCCC, 2019). While climate impacts on human migration have a clear gender dimension, policies on planned relocation and displacement are often inadequately gender‐responsive (Ayeb‐Karlsson, 2020; Becerra‐Valbuena & Millock, 2021; Chindarkar, 2012; Vinke & Harper, 2020). Gender can shape vulnerability and—in conjunction with other socio‐economic factors—influence migration decisions (Donato et al, 2006; Hunter & David, 2009; Myrttinen, 2017).…”

Household Splitting Process and Food Security in Malawi

“…In fact, in Malawi, child girl marriage is supported by traditions and the patriarchal culture. It is considered a means to improve the economic status of the parent families, especially poor families [25]. Kupawila is an example of this cultural practice and its wealth consequences.…”

“…Another example of this tradition is the Nyakyusa practiced in the Karonga district. According to this tradition, poor and low-status families can exchange their daughters with rich men as collateral for a loan, money, or assets [25]. In addition to income transfer, the household that opts to marry off a daughter benefits from the household size reduction, with possible improvements in resource distribution within the family [26].…”

“…2 Female (16-25): 1 = a female member is present in the household in the age category (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25), 0 = otherwise. 3 Male (16-25): 1 = a male member is present in the household in the age category (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25), 0 = otherwise. 4 Female child (8-15): 1 = a female child is present in the age category (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15), 0 = otherwise.…”