This dataset is the product of HABITABLE Work Package 4, "Micro- and Meso-level Coping Strategies and Adaptation Solutions," which aimed at investigating the place of climate-related migration among micro- and meso-level coping strategies and adaptation solutions. The data comprises of rich and novel qualitative interview data collected in Ghana, Kenya, Mali, South Africa, and Thailand, including insights on: individual and household migration histories; past experiences with adverse environmental and climatic changes or events; immediate coping strategies, including temporary migration; and longer-term adaptation solutions, including preparations for the future. All interview partners were questioned individually but also give details on household- and community-level context as well as response strategies.

Recommended use:

  1. Migration research
  2. Adaptive capacity and resilience studies
  3. Individual perceptions and/or subjective well-being studies
  4. Gendered and intersectional adaptation strategies research

Study design and data collection:

  • Study type: semi-structured interviews
  • Target population: adults (18+) in rural, climate-affected areas per project criteria
  • Data collection instruments:
    • Origin set of question
    • Destination set of question
    • N.B. probing and clarifying statements were often used and vary by interview partner.
  • Sampling strategy: critical case (origin) and snowball (destination)
  • Data collection method: transcripted audio files
  • Ethical Considerations: Ethical approval obtained from relevant institutions and all participants provided informed consent. Pseudonymization, categorization of select household and individual characteristics, and manual redaction of sensitive answers was conducted for privacy protection.

Technical document (data collection approach and sets of questions):
Blocher, Julia; Vinke, Kira; Winter, Lena; and Andreolla Serraglio, Diogo (2024). Handbook for Qualitative Interviews on the Climate-Migration Nexus. Potsdam: Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, version 7. Available: 10.5281/zenodo.15095758