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Migration under Climate Change in Southern Africa: A Nexus Planning Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Sylvester Mpandeli

    (Water Research Commission (WRC), Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria 0081, South Africa
    School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Luxon Nhamo

    (Water Research Commission (WRC), Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria 0081, South Africa
    Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems (CTAFS), School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Sithabile Hlahla

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems (CTAFS), School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Dhesigen Naidoo

    (Water Research Commission (WRC), Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria 0081, South Africa)

  • Stanley Liphadzi

    (Water Research Commission (WRC), Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria 0081, South Africa)

  • Albert Thembinkosi Modi

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems (CTAFS), School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems (CTAFS), School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

Abstract

Population increase is exacerbating resource insecurities due to increased demand for already depleted resources. Coupled with climate change, they are the main drivers of both intra- (rural-urban and urban-urban) and inter-migration (from one country to the other). We carried out a systematic review of literature, focusing on available options to ensure water and food security, as well as improve the socio-economic environment, highlighting the drivers of migration in southern Africa. The aim was to develop informed adaptation strategies and build resilience in the advent of accelerated migration. We developed a migration conceptual framework based on the nexus between water, food and socio-economic interlinkages. Urban areas in southern Africa are under immense pressure to accommodate climate refugees from resource stressed rural areas, a situation that is impacting on agricultural production. Most urban areas are exceeding their ecological thresholds to support the built environment, causing some socio-ecological challenges. Nexus planning can inform adaptation planning on permissible migration that are aligned with regional goals such as regional integration, poverty reduction and improved livelihoods. This would also contribute to the region’s achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, through the identification of synergies and trade-offs, nexus planning can inform regional adaptation strategies for positively managing migration leading to sustainable outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Sylvester Mpandeli & Luxon Nhamo & Sithabile Hlahla & Dhesigen Naidoo & Stanley Liphadzi & Albert Thembinkosi Modi & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2020. "Migration under Climate Change in Southern Africa: A Nexus Planning Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:11:p:4722-:d:369336
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Omolara Sanni & Bukola Salami & Folajinmi Oluwasina & Folakemi Ojo & Megan Kennedy, 2022. "Climate Change and African Migrant Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-7, December.
    2. Phemelo Tamasiga & Helen Onyeaka & Adenike Akinsemolu & Malebogo Bakwena, 2023. "The Inter-Relationship between Climate Change, Inequality, Poverty and Food Security in Africa: A Bibliometric Review and Content Analysis Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-35, March.
    3. Omolola M. Adeola & Abel Ramoelo & Brian Mantlana & Oscar Mokotedi & Wongalethu Silwana & Philemon Tsele, 2022. "Review of Publications on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus and Climate Change Adaptation Using Bibliometric Analysis: A Case Study of Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-15, October.
    4. Shibu Das, 2026. "Understanding Climate Change Perception and Migration Determinants Among the Agrarian Community in the Coastal Region of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve in India: A Sustainable Livelihood Security Approach," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 27(1), pages 477-533, March.
    5. Bruno Venditto & Ndumba J. Kamwanyah & Christian H. Nekare, 2022. "Climate change, migration and urbanisation in contemporary Namibia," Working Papers 14, SITES.
    6. Alina Maciejewska & Łukasz Kuzak & Marianna Ulanicka-Raczyńska & Yaryna Onufriv, 2023. "Use of Field Reserves in Emergencies as Assessed by Urban Residents and Refugees in Warsaw and Lviv during the War in Ukraine," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-19, September.
    7. Joseph Chisasa & Prudence Khumalo, 2023. "Exploring the nexus between migration and urbanisation in the Southern Africa region," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 12(10), pages 85-95, December.

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