Consequences of Migration on Strategies of Adaptation to Coastal Erosion in Senegal: A Typology

The municipality of Gandiol, in northern Senegal, is affected by human-caused coastal erosion whose impact is compounded by climate change. In a region where the main activities are fishing, farming, and livestock production, coastal flooding has led to the salinization of the Senegal River and has contaminated local land and groundwater, destroying the homes and livelihoods of local populations. Faced with this environmental degradation, migration has become a component of the inhabitants’ adaptation strategy. After presenting the specific environmental and migration context of Gandiol, this article presents a typology of migration’s impacts on climate change adaptation strategies. Migrant remittances are used in several ways (to diversify income sources, to optimize investments, or to protect against future risks) and provide a means for women to develop their economic activity.