Climate Change is Triggering Forced Migration As Nigerien Beggars Seek Survival In Accra

By Owusuaa Eshia, PhD

A new study has found that climate-induced displacement is driving an increasing number of Nigeriens, including women, children, and the elderly, to migrate to Ghana, where many resort to begging as a means of survival. The research sheds light on how worsening climate conditions in Niger are forcing vulnerable groups to flee in search of economic opportunities, exposing them to exploitation and social marginalization.

The study, which is set to be published in the Ghana Social Sciences Journal, explores the lived experiences of 27 Nigerien migrant beggars in Accra. It highlights how extreme droughts, food insecurity, and the collapse of traditional livelihoods in rural Niger have left many with no choice but to migrate.

“Climate change is not just a theoretical issue or a problem of the distant future. It is happening now, and its impact on vulnerable communities is devastating,” said the researcher. “Entire families are being uprooted as their homes and livelihoods become uninhabitable. For many, migration is not a choice it is a necessity for survival.” 

What is evident is that the Sahel region, including Niger, has long struggled with environmental challenges, but the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters have escalated in recent decades. According to the study, prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and soil degradation have crippled Niger’s predominantly agrarian economy. With few alternative employment opportunities, many Nigeriens have been forced to migrate.

Traditionally, migration from the Sahel has been linked to seasonal labour, with many migrants finding work in agriculture, mining, and trade in West African countries. However, the study finds that worsening environmental conditions have pushed more women, children, and the elderly and infirm individuals into migration, leading to a visible increase in begging among Nigerien migrants in Accra.

“I came to Ghana with my grandchildren because all the males in the house have left leaving to find work elsewhere. We had no food left in my household. The children were always hungry because of the shortage of food,” said one participant. “We used to farm, but the rains stopped coming. Everything dried up. We had no other choice.” Another migrant, a 42-year-old mother, shared a similar story: “When my husband left to find work, we waited, but he never sent money back. I had to find a way to care for my children, so I came here. But life here is also hard.”

The findings of this study are particularly relevant to policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and governments in both Niger and Ghana. As climate change and other factors continue to drive displacement in Niger, the need for coordinated regional responses has never been more urgent.

“The increasing presence of Nigerien beggars in Accra is a symptom of a much larger crisis,” the researcher emphasized. “Without sustainable interventions, we will continue to see vulnerable populations forced into migration and exposed to further hardships, including human trafficking, child labour, and social discrimination.”

The study calls for inclusive policies that address the root causes of climate-induced displacement while also ensuring the protection of displaced individuals. Some of the key recommendations include strengthening social protection programs in Niger to support families affected by climate disasters, reducing the need for migration.

In her consideration, improving cross-border cooperation between Ghana and Niger to provide legal and humanitarian support for displaced populations as well as investing in climate adaptation strategies such as sustainable agriculture, water management, and reforestation projects in Niger to create resilient livelihoods.

Efforts must also be taken to enhancing urban support systems in host countries like Ghana to provide better shelter, healthcare, and social services for displaced migrants.

As the impacts of climate change intensify, experts warn that climate-induced migration will become even more widespread. A 2021 World Bank report projected that climate change could displace 216 million people globally by 2050, with Sub-Saharan Africa being one of the hardest-hit regions. The study reinforces these projections, showing that Nigeriens are already experiencing forced displacement at alarming rates.

The researcher stressed that while migration has long been an adaptation strategy, it should not be the only option left for vulnerable populations.
“We must act now. Governments, international organizations, and civil society must work together to address both the immediate needs of displaced persons and the long-term solutions to climate resilience,” she said. “If we fail to act, we risk seeing more families torn apart and more lives thrown into uncertainty.”

The study is expected to contribute to the broader discourse on climate migration, offering critical insights for researchers, policymakers, and humanitarian organizations working to mitigate the crisis.

The researcher is a Postdoctoral Fellow, IDRC Research Chair Project on Forced Displacement in Anglophone West Africa