Iraq Climate-Migration Study
Published: Jun 17, 2023 Reading time: 2 minutes
People in Need’s Gender and Inclusive Climate-Migration Study conducted adds to previous PIN climate research and explores how climate change has impacted the communities of Salah al-Din. It gains greater clarity how families have adapted to the changing milieu with negative coping mechanisms by conducting Field Group Discussions (FGDs) with men and women in Shirqat, Baiji, and Tikrit districts as well as Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with government authorities, university and research center. The study examines how the latest climate trends impact the governorate, how its communities adapt to dwindling agricultural yields and water supply including migration trends from rural to urban centers, how vulnerability of women, children and persons with disabilities has been amplified, and concludes with recommendations for organizations and communities responding to Iraq’s climate crisis.
As highlighted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Iraq ranks as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, with factors such as decreased water and food availability, extreme temperatures, and intensified droughts affecting its ecosystems and farmers. These changes in climate patterns have significant consequences for agriculture productivity, directly impacting the country's economy, particularly in an oil-dependent context. The combination of climate-related challenges and mismanagement of natural resources exacerbates the vulnerabilities faced by Iraqi communities.
To address these pressing concerns, PIN’s climate vulnerability studies focus on specific regions in Iraq, such as the villages in Shirqat, Baiji, and Tikrit District, Salah-al-Din Governorate (SAD), and the rural areas around Hatra, Ninewa Governorate. These studies delve into the trends, impacts, and potential solutions related to climate change and its effects on gender dynamics and social inclusion within these communities.
PINs research aims to provide evidence-based insights into the migration and movement dynamics triggered by climate change impacts in these target areas. By understanding the adaptation strategies and coping mechanisms employed by local farmers and communities, we can inform future interventions and support the transition from humanitarian aid to long-term development. The result from comprehensive field appraisals, engaging with farmers, conducting household surveys, and gathering data to fill crucial knowledge gaps.
By analyzing the challenges faced by Iraqi communities in relation to climate change, environmental degradation, and migration, our studies contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable future for the country. The findings from these studies provide valuable information for policymakers, organizations, and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions, prioritize resources, and implement measures that address the complex interplay between climate change, environmental issues, and population movements in Iraq.
