The role of the environment on irregular migration in The Gambia, West Africa : implications for climate change adaptation policies

Abstract

As climate change worsens, populations around the world must continue to find innovative ways to adapt with the increased impacts and pressures from changing environments. Increasingly, *migration is being viewed as a valid adaptation strategy by researchers and policymakers alike. This thesis looks at the framing of migration as an adaptation strategy, first, through a discourse analysis of West African policies, and second, through empirical research in The Gambia. It became evident that migration is being viewed as an adaptation strategy both in national-level policies and locally by Gambians attempting to improve their livelihoods. This thesis argues that adaptive migration should be better incorporated in policy frameworks and viewed as a valid adaptation strategy. Gambians and vulnerable populations around the globe will bear the brunt of climate change, despite contributing the least to the crisis. Global cooperation is needed to ensure vulnerable populations are protected and human rights are upheld.