Navigating Human Displacement

Many communities in Ethiopia are both recovering from conflict and badly affected by climate change. In particular, the Amhara and Somali regions serve as case studies to explore the potential for climate finance to be used to facilitate training and thus, improve livelihoods in the green economy for displaced people. A key research question relates to how climate finance can be directed towards persons displaced, in particular youth on the move, to aid in the green reconstruction of their livelihoods. The project will shed light on the drivers, perspectives and preferences of young internally displaced people, particularly females, regarding returning home, staying where they are, or moving to new locations.

The urgency of this research stems from Ethiopia’s current challenges, hosting approximately 4.51 million internally displaced persons in 2023, predominantly as a result of civil conflict. With an estimated 35% of the population being youth aged 15-24, the research recognises the importance of addressing youth’s aspirations and challenges for decent livelihoods and jobs in a greener economy. The climate crisis compounds hardships for rural youth, intensifying pressures to move internally or migrate out of the country. Approximately 74% of Ethiopia’s youth reside in rural areas, facing precarious jobs and economic limitations. However, with the right skills and financial support, youth have the potential to be agents of positive change, contributing to sustainable, climate-resilient economies through green jobs within a green economy transition

Funded by Research Ireland, the NaHuDi project follows on from previous collaborative research between The University of Galway and OSSREA at Addis Ababa University. The Migration, Climate Change and Social Protection in Ethiopia (MiCASP) project investigated how social protection can be better targeted to reach marginalised migrants in Ethiopia, in the context of climate change impacts.