Climate Change, Migration, and Social Cohesion among Young People: Evidence from DR Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda

Abstract

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda, extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and landslides disrupt communities and force people to migrate. These movements affect their social integration, educational trajectories, and participation in local communities. This study adopts a multi-site, mixed-methods approach to examine the impact of climate-induced displacement on youth vulnerability and social cohesion. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, community observations, NGO reports, institutional records, local statistics, and school records. The study compares the experiences of displaced youth and host communities across the three countries, highlighting both challenges and strategies of resilience. Findings revealed the mechanisms through which migration affects social cohesion, the vulnerabilities of youth in displaced contexts, and the role of community networks in fostering resilience. The study contributes to the international debate on climate migration by providing empirical, intersectional evidence from a fragile region, offering recommendations for policymakers, local authorities, and development practitioners to enhance social cohesion and support youth affected by climate-induced displacement.  The findings redefine climate migration as a multi-level governance issue with direct implications for social stability and youth development.