Migration, Environment and Climate Change

Central Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change and Tajikistan is one of the most vulnerable countries in Central Asia. It is predicted to experience growing aridity, a significant increase in temperatures, irregular precipitation patterns and the subsequent melting of glaciers which will profoundly impact on crop production, livestock herding, food and water security. Due to a limited adaptive capacity and a high dependency on climate-sensitive sectors, Tajikistan is extremely vulnerable to climate-induced extreme events.

Migration – in its various forms – is, and will continue, to be shaped by climate impacts and environmental degradation. However, when enabling conditions are present, migration can support climate change adaptation and build climate resilience. At the same time, those with the fewest resources are least able to move away from environmental shocks and stressors, while being simultaneously the most vulnerable to the impacts of such stressors.

National Adaptation Plans

The Government of Tajikistan’s Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change Adaptation (NCCAS) identifies migration as a cross-cutting issue. The Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) under the Government of Tajikistan is leading the development of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), under the NCCAS.

IOM Tajikistan is supporting relevant stakeholders in Tajikistan to understand the nexus between migration, environment and climate change to help create the enabling conditions necessary to unlock the adaptation potential of migration, reduce the risks related to migration, and formulate actionable recommendations to support well-managed migration in the context of climate action.

Gender Mainstreaming

It is expected that, due to the impact of climate change on Tajik agriculture and climate-sensitive livelihoods, rural populations may respond with a variety of adaptation strategies, one of which is migration.

While a considerable share of subsequent remittances are used on food, consumer goods, healthcare and education, only a limited amount is spent on climate change adaptation measures. There is limited understanding on how women staying behind respond to the challenges arising from the outmigration of male family members and their ability to adapt to climate change.

IOM Tajikistan is conducting research to assess the role of capacity development interventions in helping women staying behind to enhance climate change adaptation in their households and communities.

For more information, please contact Mohira Fayzulloeva (mfayzulloeva@iom.int).