Page 106 - IJPS-10-4

International Journal of
Population Studies Climate change-induced human mobility

volatile weather events, and increasingly unpredictable of adapting to climate change. The researcher employed
seasons (Government of Zimbabwe, 2022). In terms of the Afrocentric theoretical framework to examine the
human mobility and climate change, Zimbabwe is likely to phenomenon of climate-induced mobility of people in
be affected in several ways. First, there has been an increase Zimbabwe, a nation located in southern Africa and sharing
in people moving out of the country, with personal borders with Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia.
remittances received in Zimbabwe accounting for 8% of The concept of Afrocentricity emerged as a theoretical
the total GDP. However, the government noted that the framework for understanding knowledge in the year
direct impacts of climate change in the host country of the 1980, originating from the philosophical ideas of Molefi
migrant worker (e.g., South Africa) may lead to economic Kete Asante. According to Asante (2003), Afrocentricity
disruptions for those receiving remittances and the macro- is characterized as a cognitive framework and behavioral
economy (Government of Zimbabwe, 2022). Second, the approach that prioritizes African interests, values, and
country depends on imported cereals. Zimbabwe has a views. To accomplish this objective, Afrocentricity theory
negative trade balance for food products. Being dependent relies on the notion of Njia, which is delineated as the
on food imports from abroad, Zimbabwe is exposed to communal manifestation of the Afrocentric perspective
climate-related disruptions in the availability, price, or rooted in the historical encounters of individuals of
quality of food products. Third, Zimbabwe currently African descent (Asante, 2003). The Afrocentric theory
hosts 9000 refugees. Although its net migration rate is acknowledges the imperative of scrutinizing the cultures
negative (there is more emigration than immigration), and histories of Africa from their respective centers or
the number of refugees has doubled since 2010, which geographical contexts. In summary, according to Asante
may be a consequence of slow-onset migration due to (1990), the theory asserts that African individuals are
ecosystem degradation or major environmental events. proactive, fundamental, and key actors in shaping their
Climate impacts in other countries may lead to an increase historical narratives. The idea is situated within the context
in push factors to emigrate to Zimbabwe (Government of of the African experience. Specifically, Afrocentrists argue
Zimbabwe, 2022). that individuals of African descent, similar to individuals of
Despite this, only a scant amount of scientific literature other racial backgrounds, frequently engage in questioning
exists concerning the impact of climate change on various aspects of life. When faced with challenging
human mobility in Zimbabwe. As such, this study seeks problems, individuals tend to have a natural inclination to
to fill that gap. The paper will begin by explaining the inquire and seek resolutions.
theoretical position on how climate change and climate- According to Hunter (1983), Afrocentricity is proposed
related disasters influence people in Zimbabwe, resulting as a theoretical framework aimed at effecting social
in internal and regional migration. The second section transformation, specifically targeting black individuals
will discuss climate-induced human mobility in Southern residing on both the African continent and the diaspora.
Africa. The third section will discuss the methodology, The imperative is for individuals of African descent to
followed by the fourth section, which will present and cultivate a robust sense of self, historical awareness,
discuss the results related to short- and long-term human and cultural appreciation to effectively address the
mobility in Zimbabwe. The paper will conclude with a challenges that persist in their contemporary and future
summary of the findings.
circumstances. In the present era, individuals of African
1.1. Afrocentric theoretical position on human descent are confronted with inquiries concerning the
mobility and climate change phenomenon of climate change and its impact on human
migration within the African continent. In addressing
This paper started by addressing a theoretical void in the these two global concerns, an Afrocentric scientist, akin
field of social, vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation to a traditional African healer who protects society from
(SVRA) studies. According to a study conducted by malevolent influences, analyzes prevailing situations,
Kuhlicke et al. (2023), a significant proportion of research identifies potential avenues for resolution, and proposes
papers in the fields of psychology, sociology, geography, strategies for resolution. The Afrocentrist focuses on
and mathematics that investigate various natural hazards
such as floods, droughts, landslides, storm surges, collecting factual information, verifying data, and
wildfires, tsunamis, storms, and volcano eruptions does rigorously examining interpretations of both individuals
not explicitly incorporate theoretical frameworks in their and subjects in the study of human behavior (Asante,
2002).
investigations. Significantly, the use of SVRA and its
associated principles is employed to effectively mitigate the In the context of the current period characterized
risks posed by natural hazards and facilitate the process by climate change and its detrimental impacts on both

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 100 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2983