From the landscapes of rural Bangladesh to the bustling streets of urban centers, a significant migration phenomenon is unfolding - one driven by the unforgiving impacts of climate change on rural livelihoods. As households seek refuge from the economic hardships brought on by extreme weather events, saltwater intrusion, and other climatic challenges, the younger generation embarks on a journey to bolster their family's rural income and provide support in times of need. The following explores the resilience of these young migrants, who are turning to the garment industry for hope and opportunity amidst climate uncertainties. Moreover, the post sheds light on how these youths are not just seeking economic stability but are also emerging as change agents within the garment sector, driving sustainability efforts in the face of climate change.

Climate Change: A Tempest in the Fields for Rural Families 

Bangladesh, a country which has historically been heavily reliant on agriculture, has been grappling with the harsh realities of climate change for years. Extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting precipitation patterns have significantly affected the livelihoods of rural agricultural families. The resulting challenges have pushed many young individuals to seek opportunities in urban centers , particularly in the country’s booming garment industry. This gives them access to an alternate income source for their families. 

Listening to the words of affected families, we hear stories that vividly illustrate the hardships they endure. One such family is that of Yousuf Jommaddar, a farmer from a remote village in the Khulna region of Bangladesh. He recounts, "In my field, the plants are not growing right now, so I do not expect a good yield. I am unsure how I will support my family for the next few months."

Climate change directly impacts the livelihoods of rural communities, forcing them to navigate arduous choices to ensure their survival. The inability to sustain agricultural activities, coupled with the erratic nature of weather patterns, precipitates a decrease in crop yields resulting in income precarity. Many families, like Rahman's, confront escalating debts and grapple to secure basic essentials.

Furthermore, the cyclic nature of agriculture exacerbates this predicament. As weather patterns grow increasingly capricious, the traditional timelines for planting and harvesting are thrown into disarray. This unpredictability directly affects agricultural laborers who rely on specific crop seasons for employment. With reduced opportunities in farming, they find themselves with no recourse but to seek alternative income avenues in urban centers. The unpredictable and extreme weather patterns resulting from climate change have significantly affected traditional farming practices in rural areas. 

Fabricating Futures: The Garment Industry's Pull on Rural Youth

In the face of these climate-driven adversities, migration to urban centers emerges as a pragmatic adaptive response for many rural youth. Urban centers often offer improved opportunities, making them attractive destinations for those seeking an escape from economic uncertainties caused by climate-related vulnerabilities in rural areas.

The allure of urban locales, particularly cities like Dhaka and Chittagong, is mostly linked to job opportunities in the thriving garment industry. Bangladesh's garment manufacturing sector has experienced remarkable growth due to international demand.  

The garment industry's pull factors come into play, attracting these young migrants with stable jobs and better income prospects. Moreover, migration to the garment industry offers an income diversification strategy for rural families, amidst climate-induced uncertainties in agriculture. By reducing their reliance solely on farming, families can create a safety net to navigate the challenges posed by climate-related hardships.

Challenges are also experienced, such as adjusting to urban life and potential for exploitation in the factory labor. Yet,  the migration of youth to urban centers for employment in the garment industry is seen as an adaptive response to the effects of climate change on rural agricultural families. The resilience and determination of the young migrants shine through as they seek to adapt to changing circumstances and contribute to their family's financial well-being.

Providing insight into the common rationale for migration, Khondker Rebaca Sun-Yat, who serves as the Executive Director at the Coalition for the Urban Poor, says, "Cities offer income opportunities. With urban infrastructure development, it's only natural for rural residents to gravitate towards cities. Had rural areas possessed income sources, along with mills and factories, the migration to Dhaka might have been less pronounced."

These insights weave a compelling story and depict a tale of adaptation, resilience, and of hope for a better future. As climate-related hardships continue to impact rural livelihoods, migration emerges as a coping mechanism for the younger generation seeking better opportunities in urban settings. By recognizing migration as an adaptive tool, it is possible to strike a balance between supporting rural communities affected by climate change and facilitating the development of urban centers. This approach is essential for ensuring the well-being and prosperity of both rural families facing climate hardships and the youth seeking better prospects in urban areas.

Youth Driving Sustainability in the Garment Sector: Agents of Positive Change

The potential of youth as agents of change is remarkable. Their experiences, deeply impacted by climate change-induced agricultural challenges, further drive their passion for promoting sustainable practices  in their respective industries. For the garment industry to become more sustainable, stronger environmental regulations are crucial in combating pollution and resource depletion resulting from its practices. Young migrants in  garment sector  have the opportunity to advocate for sustainability eco-friendly initiatives, responsible sourcing of materials, reducing water and energy consumption, promoting recycling and upcycling, and ensuring supply chain transparency from the shop floor to the boardroom. This has the potential to revolutionize the industry and bring positive change. The implementation of sustainable technologies and practices can further enhance its ecological footprint. However, more needs to be done to address issues that affect the wellbeing of young migrants, such as improving occupational health, implementing safety measures, reducing working hours and exposure to harmful chemicals, and raising wages for young workers. 

The emergence of youth as drivers of sustainability in the garment sector is promising. Their experiences add profound significance to their role, making them powerful advocates for sustainable practices and innovative solutions within the industry.

Bringing together Policy and Practice

To effectively address the complex relationship between climate change, migration, and the garment industry in Bangladesh, policymakers must adopt comprehensive strategies. This involves implementing climate-resilient agricultural practices and creating sustainable livelihood options in rural areas to mitigate the push factors of migration. Simultaneously, measures to improve working conditions in the garment industry  and enhance urban amenities can make the pull factors more appealing for young migrants.

Empowering the youth as agents of change should take center stage, underscoring the benefits of supporting migration to achieve sustainable development. At the same time, it is imperative that collective efforts, both in policy and practice, address climate change impacts and extend support to climate-affected communities. By recognizing the vital role of youth and fostering their engagement, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally conscious Bangladesh. Together, we can shape a better tomorrow, where climate challenges are met with determination and compassion, fostering a harmonious balance between people and the planet.

About the author:

Elisa D’Amico currently holds a position as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of St Andrews with the PeaceRep Consortium. Elisa, a recent Ph.D. in Political Science, specializes in climate change, migration, and urban unrest. Her research spans Political Economy and International Relations, and she is proficient in research methodology and data science. She is also trained in Arabic, Turkish, and Spanish. Elisa has volunteered with organizations like RefugeeOne and Project Elea, tutoring refugees. She has accomplished academic feats, including her dissertation on 'The Climate-Conflict Nexus: Urban Migration and Data Innovations,' passed with distinction. Further, she serves as a visiting fellow at the Universität Basel working in “Natural Resources as Objects of Conflict” and is a Private Enterprise and Peace (PEP) Lab Research Affiliate.

This article is part of the IOM Blog Series: Youth Voices on Migration, Environment and Climate Change