Embargo Period

8-6-2025

Degree Name

MA in Climate Change and Global Sustainability

First Advisor

Raed Al-Tabini

Second Advisor

J. Richard Walz

Abstract

Given the rapidly shifting climate, high vulnerability, and low adaptability to climate related changes that rural areas face, this study highlights the complex relationship between climate change -- especially water scarcity -- agriculture, and internal migration in rural Jordan. I predict that if water scarcity is present and climate changes are occurring, they will undercut the rural agriculture sector which could contribute to rural out-migration. To study this relationship, I conducted a case study in Sabha, a small rural community in the Northern Badia of Jordan. Data was gathered by engaging in semi-structured interviews with current community members in Sabha and migrants who are now living in Amman. The information gathered in these interviews was supplemented by scholarly literature and government reports when applicable. My findings indicate that while water scarcity is present and climate changes are occurring in Sabha and that these factors are impacting farmers, they have not led to significant migration from the community. This is likely due to a combination of factors in Sabha including its agricultural history, the unique demographic of farmers there, existing social structures, and a strong connection to the community and the land itself. This research should prove beneficial for scholars studying climate migration and understating how climate changes impact agriculture in rural communities.

Climate change, water, water scarcity, agriculture, migration, Jordan, rural economies

Disciplines

Agricultural and Resource Economics | Agriculture | Comparative Politics | Environmental Studies

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