HABITABLE Focus Group Data: Livelihoods, climate risks, adaptation, and migration impacts

This dataset is the product of HABITABLE () Work Package 5, "Migration Impacts," which aimed to improve the understanding of how different forms of migration and mobility affect social-ecological systems at places of origin.

It explores both direct and indirect impacts of migration on:
i) the coping and adaptation capacities of individuals, households, and communities facing climate risks; and
ii) the structural root causes of vulnerability, including social, material, cultural, and political dimensions.

Recommended use:

• Climate vulnerability and adaptation research

• Migration and development studies

• Intersectional and community-based adaptation research

Study design and data collection:

• Study type: Structured and visual participatory group discussions

• Target population: Rural adults (18+), from migrant and non-migrant households in climate affected areas

• Methodology: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)-inspired tools, using visualizations and facilitated discussions

• Data collection instruments: 12 thematic sessions (e.g., migration impacts, climate risks, adaptation, social change, inequality)

• Sampling: Mixed groups based on gender, age, socioeconomic background; purposive and stratified participant selection

• Data format: Coded textual segments and transcribed visual materials

• Ethical considerations: Informed consent, anonymization of site and personal data

Geographic coverage and sample size:

• Ghana: 2 sites, 24 sessions with each 6-8 participants

• Mali: 4 sites, 48 sessions with each 6-8 participants

• Kenya: 3 sites, 36 sessions with each 6-8 participants

• Thailand: 3 sites, 36 sessions with each 6-8 participants

Data processing and structure:
Visual outputs and discussion notes were compiled into standardized reports and manually coded using a content-driven coding scheme. The resulting dataset includes text segments and image transcriptions, organized under thematic codes related to development trajectories, wellbeing, vulnerability, adaptation, migration impacts, gender, inequality, and environmental change.

Sensitivity and privacy:
No personally identifiable information was collected. Site names were pseudonymized, and sensitive content (e.g., conflict/cohesion issues) was handled with care to prevent harm.

Technical documents :

• Data description: see file Description_Habitable_WP5_FGD_Data.pdf
• Data collection tools: see file D51_Tools_Data_Collection_WP5_Migration_Impact.pdf