IOM is opening call for submissions for a youth blog series aimed at enhancing the visibility of youth-led solutions addressing human mobility in the context of climate change and environmental degradation in the East and Horn of Africa. The blog series aims to provide a platform for young individuals to share their experiences, knowledge, and innovative ideas and solutions in addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by climate-induced mobility. By amplifying the voices of youth, this initiative seeks to inspire and empower other young people to take up interest in the topic of migration, environment and climate change and build their overall understanding of the nexus. 

Background 

The East and Horn of Africa is particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Environmental degradation and natural hazards elicited by climate change provoke forced human and livestock mobility, migration, and displacements leading to different migratory outcomes and experiences. 

The increasing frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, and rainfall variability in region have resulted in severe consequences, including declining productivity of the agriculture sector, food insecurity, loss of life and livestock, biodiversity depletion and water scarcity, as well as human mobility1.  

The decisions to migrate in the context of climate change can span extended periods such as in the case of slow-onset environmental degradation that reduces crop yields over multiple seasons, leading to eroding incomes. Conversely, sudden-onset events force immediate decisions to flee, such as in cases of displacement due to floods. Disaster displacement is typically temporary and internal but can also lead to protracted displacement and particularly in the cross-border areas also to movements across borders. While some people choose to move, others move because they have no other choice, as moving away from a disaster zone can be lifesaving2. However, for many more, especially those in vulnerable and socially marginalized groups, migrating will not be an option because it requires opportunities as well as economic and other resources that they do not have.  

Rural urban migration is a growing trend as the impact of climate change in the rural areas is intensified by existing socio-economic inequalities relating to income levels and quality of education, health care, and infrastructure, thereby attracting movements to urban areas. Regular and irregular labour migration is another key feature of the EHoA human mobility landscape although there is lack of exact data that determines to what extent it is influenced by environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change. Seasonal migration is particularly typical for pastoral communities as they move with their livestock mainly to access water and pasture3. Conversely, migratory flows can also have adverse effects on the environment, particularly when migrants or displaced persons are not supported with access to renewable energy sources or sustainable livelihood options. 

Solutions include considering migration as adaptation strategy to disasters and climate change and ensuring that those who choose to move can do so in a safe, orderly and regular manner, whilst enhancing the positive impacts of their mobility for themselves, their families and communities of origin and destination by; ensuring that those who have moved are provided with necessary access to services and assistance and; by offering sustainable adaptation options for people remaining in areas of origin in a dignified manner and reducing displacement. Well managed migration in the context of climate change and environmental degradation can represent a positive adaptation strategy to devastating climate impacts by enabling safe and informed decisions on mobility and can contribute to both sustainable development and climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Strengthening prevention, preparedness, risk reduction and sustainable development interventions are fundamental adaptation efforts that offer people the choice to stay with dignity and in safety, in their areas of origin. 

IOM's work in the region aims to promote humane and orderly migration in the face of these environmental challenges. IOM’s commitment to climate change adaptation and supporting migrants to contribute to the green transition and increase resilience as well as equipping migrants with skills and knowledge for the twenty-first century workplace is outlined in its Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028. 

In response to the impacts of the climate crisis on human and livestock mobility, 11 countries of the East and Horn of Africa Region (EHoA) signed the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC). The Declaration outlines commitments to address the opportunities and challenges of human mobility in the context of climate change and emphasizes the importance of youth engagement. The KDMECC implementation is guided by a Plan of Action. 

Youth are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. They face disruptions in education, employment, and overall quality of life due to increasing extreme weather events and slow-onset changes. Yet, they also exhibit remarkable resilience and leadership in developing and implementing solutions that address these challenges. From grassroots activism to technological innovations, young people are driving forward initiatives that promote sustainability, resilience, and social justice. Many have taken the mantle in finding sustainable solutions to address these challenges; however, at times their efforts go unnoticed or lack visibility.   

Unemployment and labour migration are closely intertwined with the green transition, especially in the context of the East and Horn of Africa. As climate change impacts become more pronounced, traditional livelihoods are disrupted, exacerbating unemployment and prompting labour migration. Youth play a crucial role in this dynamic, as they are often the most affected but also the most innovative in seeking solutions. By integrating sustainable practices into local economies, they are creating resilient communities that can adapt to environmental changes. This not only addresses adverse effects of climate change but also provides stable employment, reducing forced migration.  

The visibility of these youth-led solutions is vital for inspiring broader adoption and fostering regional collaboration in the green transition.  

Objectives 

This blog series aims provide a platform to showcase and promote the innovative solutions and initiatives led by youth in the region, and particularly aims at:  

• Showcasing the practical and innovative solutions youth in the East and Horn of Africa have to address human mobility in the context of climate change. 

• Increasing awareness about the interconnectedness of migration, environment and climate change, and the unique challenges faced by the region. 

• Encouraging other young people, stakeholders, and policymakers to support and implement youth-led solutions, particularly considering KDMECC Plan of Action priorities. 

• Demonstrating involvement of youth in addressing climate change and human mobility through featured stories and solutions which will inspire other young people to act and get involved.  

Blog Structure 

The blog series will consist of a collection of engaging and informative texts written by youth from the East and Horn of Africa region. The structure will include the following components: 

• Introduction: setting the context of climate mobility in the country/region and highlighting the importance of the topic as well as personal stories or experiences related to climate change and human mobility, illustrating the challenges people or their communities face. 

• Innovative and Practical Solutions: showcase innovative ideas, projects, or initiatives aimed at providing solutions for people to stay - addressing adaptation and resilience building; and/or solutions for people to move - offering comprehensive strategies for planned relocation and safe and orderly migration such as labour migration; and/or solutions for people on the move - providing tailored assistance to ensure the protection and livelihood sustainability of affected individuals. 

• Impact and Success Stories: highlight the impact of the initiatives and share success stories, inspiring others to act.  

• Include visual elements such as credited pictures and links to videos. 

• Call to Action: conclude with a call to action, encouraging readers to get involved and support youth-led initiatives. 

Submission Guidelines 

• Abstract Submission: Interested contributors should send abstracts to [EHoA Migration Environment and Climate Change Unit <ronairobimecc@iom.int>] with a title, a 200-word abstract, and a short author bio (100 words) for review and consideration by [2 September 2024]. 

• Blog Post Submission: Selected abstracts will proceed to the full blog submission phase. Contributors will be notified by [30 September 2024] and will be required to submit their full blog posts by [15 December 2024]. The blog series will be published starting from [1 March 2025]. 

Submission Criteria 

Eligibility: Youth aged 18-35 from the East and Horn of Africa region (Burundi, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania.  

Suggested Thematic Areas to Choose from:  

• Diaspora and Migrants for Climate Action;  

• Sustainable solutions for Displacement in the context of climate change; 

• Resilience Building including promoting resilient livelihoods and building community adaptation to climate change; 

• Migration as an Adaptation Strategy, including areas of Planned Relocations, and Labour Migration and Just Transition. 

• Finance and Resource Mobilization to increase access to financing climate mobility; 

• Policy and Governance to integrate human mobility into climate change policies; 

Other Areas for consideration: KDMECC Plan of Action Priorities, Data and research related to climate migration, Policy and Advocacy; Communication and Story Telling. 

Referencing: Contributors are encouraged to use credible sources and provide references where applicable. All references should be cited in a standard format (e.g., APA, MLA). 

Originality: all ideas and language must be original to the author. The panel will automatically disqualify any submissions where use of artificial intelligence and/or large language models is suspected.  

Word Limit: Full texts should be between 800-1,000 words. 

Language: Submissions should be done in English and French.

Evaluation: Submissions will be evaluated based on relevance to the thematic area and KDMECC, innovative idea or practical solution presented, potential to inspire, clarity and conciseness of the text, by a panel of experts from IOM and partner organizations. Selected contributors will receive feedback and mentorship to refine their submissions as needed. 

This blog series is a vital initiative to amplify the voices of young people in the East and Horn of Africa who have practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities of climate change and human mobility. By enhancing the visibility of their efforts, we aim to inspire, mobilize support, and foster a collaborative network of young changemakers.  

We look forward to your participation and contributions in making this initiative a success.