Climate-induced internal migration and household welfare in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Climate change has significantly influenced internal migration patterns in Burkina Faso, where droughts, declining soil fertility, and water scarcity threaten agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. This policy brief presents empirical findings on the effects of migration on household welfare based on survey data from 493 households in Comoé province. The findings reveal that migration helps households accumulate more wealth, as migrants generally possess higher-value assets than non-migrants. However, the study also highlights that not all individuals benefit equally from migration, as financial constraints and severe environmental degradation prevent some households from relocating, leaving them trapped in worsening conditions. Furthermore, remittance flows decrease over time, suggesting that migrants invest more in their host communities rather than sending money home. This policy brief underscores the key environmental and socio-economic drivers of migration and provides policy recommendations to enhance migration outcomes and promote resilience. By strengthening climate-resilient agriculture, improving rural economic opportunities, supporting migrants in destination areas, and integrating migration into climate adaptation policies, Burkina Faso can mitigate migration pressures, enhance livelihoods, and foster long-term resilience in vulnerable communities.