Gendered Realities of Climate-Induced Displacement and Adaptation Barriers in the Lake Chad Basin

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 9, August 2026 | pp. 185–192

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001271

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Gendered Realities of Climate-Induced Displacement and Adaptation Barriers in the Lake Chad Basin

Names of Authors: Dr. Mahamat A. Issa¹, Dr. Amina B. Moussa²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Département de Sociologie, Université de N'Djamena, N'Djamena, Chad; ²Center for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract:
The rapid ecological contraction of the Lake Chad Basin has catalyzed unprecedented environmental migration across Central Africa. This multi-border study evaluates the gendered dimensions of climate-induced displacement and the subsequent adaptation barriers encountered by pastoralist and fishing communities. Drawing on a regional survey of 520 displaced individuals across Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, combined with 24 focus group discussions, the research tracks resource access vulnerabilities. The quantitative indicators demonstrate a stark adaptation imbalance: displaced female-headed households exhibit a 68% lower livelihood recovery index score compared to male-led counterparts (p < 0.01). While displaced men migrate to urban centers for wage labor, women are restricted to temporary camp settlements due to child-rearing and domestic care duties. The thematic analysis shows that the breakdown of community safety nets increases women's vulnerability to survival sex and physical violence during fuel-wood collection trips. Furthermore, regional humanitarian relief frameworks distribute agricultural inputs almost exclusively to male land-owners, ignoring the informal tenant-farming practices that sustain displaced women. The study concludes that climate adaptation strategies across the Sahel region remain fundamentally gender-blind. We recommend implementing direct financial grants for displaced female collectives, constructing secure camp solar-energy systems, and establishing transnational protection frameworks for climate refugees.

Keywords: Climate Displacement, Lake Chad Basin, Environmental Migration, Vulnerability, Resource Access, Sahel

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 01, 2026; Revised: May 18, 2026; Accepted: June 24, 2026; Published: August 31, 2026.

Citation: Issa, M. A., & Moussa, A. B. (2026). Gendered Realities of Climate-Induced Displacement and Adaptation Barriers in the Lake Chad Basin. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(9), 185–192. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001271

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