Trapped but Resilient: Unpacking the Determinants and Perspectives of Immobility amidst Environmental Hazards in the Volta Delta, Ghana

Donatus Yaw Atiglo, University Of Ghana
Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe, University of Ghana
Kwasi Appeaning Addo, University of Ghana
Philip-Neri Jayson-Quashigah, University of Ghana
Mumuni Abu, University of Ghana
Samuel Codjoe, University of Ghana

The discourse on environmental migration has gained momentum, particularly in the context of immobility - often referred to as the phenomenon of trapped populations. The concept of trapped populations fails to adequately explain why populations persist amidst adverse environmental hazards. This mixed-method study assessed the determinants of voluntary immobility and explored the reasons why populations harshly affected by flooding, or coastal erosion resisted relocation in the Volta Delta of Ghana. Quantitative data on 950 households were analysed, using binary logistic regression, to assess the relationship between household vulnerability to hazards and voluntary immobility, controlling for gender structure, sociodemographic and migration-related factors. In-depth interviews and gender-stratified focus group discussions explored community perspectives on immobility versus relocation in flooding and erosion hotspots. About 56% of households were voluntarily immobile and about half vulnerable to at least one hazard. Adjusted logistic regression models indicate that females, vulnerability to drought but not flooding or erosion, place attachment and migration aversion were associated with a higher likelihood of voluntary immobility. Thematic analysis reveals that topophilia, cultural affinity, relative ecosystem productivity, sustainable livelihoods, and preserving sovereignty are among the main reasons for immobility and resisting relocation.

Keywords: Population, Environment, and Climate Change, Gender Dynamics, Mixed methods research

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