Migration and Climate Change Impacts on Rural Entrepreneurs in Nigeria: A Gender Perspective

Abstract

Although the effects of climate change are universal, some groups are more negatively affected than others, which has raised global concerns. The most affected are families involved with agriculture or that use natural resources in rural areas as a means of livelihood. This study aimed to assess the responses of rural dwellers to climate change and migration, determine the extent of climate change as a driver of migration, assess the viability of migration as an option for climate change adaptation, and evaluate the gender perspective of migration and the impact of climate change on entrepreneurial development in rural areas. A qualitative method was employed to solicit responses from respondents in selected rural areas under four different vegetation zones through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using Atlas.ti. A difference was found in gender reactions to migration due to socio-cultural factors and family responsibilities. In addition, different types of migration patterns were found to exist among men and women. The study also revealed that climate change is a major driver of migration, affects livelihood practices differently in the vegetation zones, and has a negative impact on the entrepreneurship development of the rural areas. Finally, this study provides insights into the effect of migration type on the entrepreneurship development by gender.

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

“…By gaining a holistic understanding of how climate change interacts with gender norms and socioeconomic conditions, we can develop more effective and tailored strategies to support the resilience of women and their communities (Andersen et al 2023;Michael and Odeyemi 2017;Nya et al 2023). Additionally, this study contributes to a broader discourse on gender and climate change, bridging the gap between global trends and local realities (Akinbami 2021;Khan et al 2023). As this study embarks on the qualitative research into the lives and stories of women in the riverine area of Bayelsa State, it recognizes the transformative potential of their experiences.…”

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

“…It acknowledges that while women traders may face heightened vulnerabilities due to gendered impacts, they also demonstrate resilience through their economic activities and adaptive responses. Women traders are often embedded in their communities, contributing to the local economy and social fabric (Akinbami, 2021). The study explores how the experiences of women traders are intertwined with community dynamics, relationships, and support networks.…”

“…By amplifying the voices of women traders, this study seeks to unravel the interplay between environmental shifts, economic resilience, and sociocultural frameworks. The exploration does not only deepen our understanding of the challenges faced by women in the riverine areas of Bayelsa State but also informs targeted interventions and policies addressing the specific needs of this vulnerable demographic (Michael and Odeyemi, 2017;Akinbami, 2021).…”

Perspective and Theoretical Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship

“…Other than that, the latest discussion on gender and entrepreneurship mostly in 2021, discuss women entrepreneur from perspective of specific country like Nigeria [25], Sudan [26], Brazil [27], Italy [28], Malaysia [29] and Indonesia [30].…”