Publications — Samuel Hall

HABITABLE: Habitability and Adaptation to a Changing Climate: Impacts of climate change on agriculture and human mobility in the Northern and Volta Regions, Ghana

March 2025

This background brief examines the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and mobility patterns in two communities within the Northern and Volta Regions, Ghana: Lingbung and Vome. Beginning with an analysis of Ghana’s main rural-urban migration patterns, we synthesise findings from qualitative interviews conducted within these agrarian communities. Emphasis is placed on migration as one of the adaptive strategies adopted locally.

This brief then examines Ghana's policies and legal frameworks acknowledging different dimensions of human mobility related to climate change. It evaluates the extent to which these frameworks offer solutions to the problems experienced by the communities studied, which, in turn, intensify migration patterns. The brief proposes measures to address climate-induced migration in Ghana, with recommendations focusing on the gaps in current normative instruments while enhancing community resilience.

Download Policy Brief here

Samuel HallMarch 20, 2025climate change, Ghana, urban migration, rural migration, livelihoods

HABITABLE: Habitability and Adaptation to a Changing Climate: Impacts of climate change on agriculture and human mobility in the Kayes and Sikasso Regions, Mali

February 2025

This background brief investigates climatic impacts on livelihoods and human mobility patterns in Mali, particularly focusing on two communities in the Kayes Region (Fatao and Gory) and two communities in the Sikasso Region (Dogo and Kignan). After an analysis of the climatic and socio-economic challenges faced in Mali, it presents preliminary findings on migration as one of the locally adopted adaptation strategies, based on qualitative interviews conducted in these agricultural communities. The challenges encountered by these communities share common themes.

This background brief, therefore, explores Mali’s policies and legal frameworks that recognise distinct dimensions of human mobility in the context of climate change. It assesses the extent to which these instruments provide solutions to the issues affecting these communities, which, in turn, exacerbate migration patterns. The brief concludes with a summary of potential measures available to address climate-induced migration in the country, concentrating on the gaps in normative instruments while bolstering community resilience.

Read the full brief here.

Samuel HallFebruary 3, 2025

UNICEF: Endline Evaluation of the Adolescents and Youth Life Skills Programme (Maharati)

January 2025

Jordan has one of the world's youngest populations, but youth unemployment remains a major challenge, hitting 46.1% in 2022. Limited access to education, training, and jobs hampers young people's transition to higher education and the workforce. Refugees and women face even greater hurdles, with half of Syrian youth refugees unable to access secondary education.

To address these challenges, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Jordan Country Office (JCO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth (MoY), with their implementing partner Generations for Peace (GFP) implemented a life skills programme, the Maharati programme, from 2018-2022. This endline evaluation, commissioned by UNICEF JCO and conducted by Samuel Hall, had two main objectives:

From an accountability perspective – to measure the extent to which the planned results were achieved and the overall goal and objectives met.
From a learning perspective – to determine why planned and intended results were attained or not, to draw lessons and propose good practices and recommendations for learning, scale-up and replication.

The evaluation focuses on the Maharati programme’s activities from January 2018 to June 2022, implemented by the MoY in its youth centres across all governorates in Jordan. The findings, conclusions, lessons learned and recommendations aim to inform decision-making and programme improvement for UNICEF and MoY.

Read Full report here.

Samuel HallJanuary 8, 2025UNICEF, JORDAN, youth, unemployment, COVID-19, YOUTH REFUGEES

HABITABLE: Habitability and Adaptation to a Changing Climate: Impacts of climate change on agriculture and human mobility in communities in Makueni County, Kenya

January 2025

This background brief scrutinises the repercussions of climate change on livelihoods and human mobility in three communities in Makueni County, Kenya: Kathyaka, Kikoko, and Ngulu. Following an overview of Kenya's climatic and socioeconomic challenges, we summarise insights from qualitative interviews from these three agricultural communities, focusing on the role of migration among other local coping mechanisms. The challenges faced by these communities exhibit common themes. This brief then examines Kenya’s policies and legal frameworks acknowledging different dimensions of human mobility related to climate change.

It evaluates the extent to which these frameworks offer solutions to the problems experienced in these communities, which, in turn, intensify migration patterns. We conclude with Photo: Alexander Bee; Art and Graphic Design: Mohammed Hadj. Concept: Florence Kim. ©UN Network on Migration (2022). 2 recommendations to address the climate change human mobility nexus in Kenya, in particular by tackling shortcomings in existing policies and legal frameworks and by bolstering community resilience and adaptation strategies.

Read full brief here

Samuel Hall: Position Paper - City Making in a Mobile World: Urban Mobility & Governance

December 2024

Migration governance requires an increased focus on the urban at a time when “cities represent the future of global living”. 70% of the +100 million displaced people worldwide live in urban environments.

Among the three levels of migration governance - the global, the national, and the local - local actors and knowledge are thus increasingly gaining importance, in light of the withdrawal of national actors from addressing migration governance challenges, which underscores prevalent national protectionist patterns and translates to a neglect of migration issues and mandates by governments. The Global Compacts for Refugees and for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, adopted in 2018, underline the centrality of the local level while encouraging whole-of-society approaches involving a range of local stakeholders in addressing mobility issues - which requires a better inclusion and participation of migrants, combined with access to basic services and urban development initiatives, to improve social cohesion.

This position paper, based on 14 years of experience conducting research on migration in urban areas in 75+ countries, on a review of academic and grey literature, and on interviews with global experts, contributes to this goal. It explores how the three approaches proposed above can help respond to the challenges of urban migration, and presents examples of their application through case studies from our research before outlining our agenda for urban migration research that supports local actors.

Read full paper here.

Samuel HallDecember 17, 2024urban governance, urban migration, MIGRATION, urban mobility

DRC: Localisation of Protection Programming in Garissa & Turkana, Kenya

October 2024

Within the context of commitments to durable solutions, since the World Humanitarian Summit 2016 and the Grand Bargain, there have been increased calls for those who are closest to crises to have more control of resources, increased agency and greater decision-making powers. The process of “localisation” aims to create more equitable, power sharing and decision-making systems that support those in need of protection.

The protection of refugees in Kenya is a critical issue, Kenya is host to two of the largest refugee camps in the world – in Garissa and Turkana counties, known as Kenya’s marginalised counties in the arid and semiarid land regions. Localisation holds the potential to foster sustainability by enabling an environment where vulnerable communities, like those affected by displacement, are able to handle challenges, thereby promoting local ownership and strengthening self-protection capacities.

The study focuses on the localisation of protection programming in Garissa and Turkana counties – and seeks a deeper understanding of the opportunities available and entry points for engagement with local actors supporting refugees and host communities. The research seeks to map out localisation efforts in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps, identifying entry points to new collaborations and engagement for more localised protection outcomes and draw out key information and recommendations from the challenges and lessons from international and local actors.

Read full report here

Samuel HallDecember 17, 2024Danish Refugee Council, garissa, Turukana, Dadaab, Kakuma, localisation, refugee camps

University of Shanghai, OCHA & Islamic Relief: Embracing Knowledge & Expertise: Women’s Leadership in Addressing Climate-Driven Humanitarian Emergencies in Afghanistan

November 2024

Despite being one of the lowest greenhouse gas emitters globally, Afghanistan ranks eighth out of 170 countries in terms of climate vulnerability, facing frequent and severe natural disasters such as floods, flash floods, and droughts.

The intersection of climate change, gender dynamics, and mobility creates a unique set of challenges that
disproportionately affect Afghan women and girls due to the current socio-political context, gender norms, limited income, lack of access to higher education, and exclusion from decision-making processes.

This paper produced collaboratively by Samuel Hall, Islamic Relief, University of Shanghai and OCHA highlights stories of two Afghan women to underscore two crucial points: first, on how the climate response has been deeply enriched by the leadership and contributions of women.

Second, it underscores that the humanitarian sector’s localisation agenda, and the development sector’s Basic Human Needs (BHN) approach, cannot be fully realised without the meaningful inclusion of women and faith actors.

Read full paperhere.

Samuel HallNovember 15, 2024women leadership, climate adaptive solutions, Afghanistan, Asia, pacific, humanitarian emergencies

Forced Migration Review: Financing Displacement Response

November 2024

From humanitarian aid by wealthy governments to remittances from diaspora communities, responses to forced displacement are shaped by funding from an array of actors, in ways that express those actors’ interests and priorities. In recent years, new actors and new financing approaches have emerged.

What do these shifts mean for forcibly displaced people and displacement response strategies? How does displacement response financing interact with the choices of forcibly displaced people and their communities, with local and global economies, and with broader geopolitical events and trends? This issue advances understanding of these questions and others.

Find full magazine here.

Samuel HallNovember 5, 2024humanitarian aid, Displacement, Financing approaches, diaspora communities

NRC: Evaluation Final Report Final Evaluation of the project "Integrated Emergency Aid for Conflict-Affected Populations in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon"

October 2024

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been present in Cameroon since 2017 as part of their mission to respond to the Southwest and Northwest(SW and NW) crisis. NRC’s project “Integrated Emergency Aid for Conflict-Affected Populations in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon” focused on delivering multi-sectoral emergency assistance to communities in vulnerable situations, focusing on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the project’s objectives align with the BHA’s mission of providing food and non-food international disaster aid to better support those in need of humanitarian assistance. NRC commissioned Samuel Hall to evaluate the success of their activities under the two phases of the projects entitled “Emergency Assistance and NFI Support for Vulnerable Communities Affected by Displacement in the Southwest and Northwest regions of Cameroon” from 2020 to 2022 and “Integrated Emergency Aid for Conflict-Affected Populations in the Northwest and Southwest Region of Cameroon” from 2022 to 2024.

Read full Report here.

Samuel HallOctober 31, 2024Cameroon, Norwegian Refugee Council, IDPs, USAID, Samuel Hall, Africa

FAIR: Discourse and Policies: Silencing Returnees and the Need for More Inclusive Return Policies

October 2024

In our latest paper as part of the Horizon Europe FAiR project, we explore two types of migration narratives: those told by migrants and those told about them by media, policymakers, and others. When these perspectives align or diverge, they influence critical areas like return, readmission, and reintegration policies.

Narratives by migrants correspond to personal testimonies shared by migrants themselves and provide first-hand evidence on motivations,
challenges, and experiences behind migration. In contrast, narratives about migrants are developed by media, policymakers, religious actors, and other third parties. Understanding where they align or misalign is key to analysing the impact of policies in the realm of return, readmission, and reintegration.

This paper is structured on the basis of an analysis of narratives and discourses about return in order to develop new approaches that incorporate narratives from returnees and ensure more inclusive policy processes.

Download the paper here

Samuel HallOctober 16, 2024

ADSP: Expert Analysis: Water, climate, and refuge across Afghanistan and the sub-region

October 2024

For over 40 years, Iran and Pakistan have been home to Afghan refugees. Today both countries host over 90% of the world’s Afghan refugees and other migrants in refugee like situations (over 8 million people). The region of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran also ranks as high or very high among countries at risk to impacts of climate change – where water, as a resource, is especially scarce. Afghanistan and Pakistan rank low on the capacity to deal with the impacts of climate change, whilst Iran is ranked as an upper-middle country. Any durable solution for Afghan displacement in the region must integrate concerns related to climate change, and resources, including – and especially water.

This expert analysis draws from interviews conducted in Pakistan, expert opinions, media reports, policy reports, and secondary data and provides three country profiles for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Focused on climate, water, and Afghan migration, each section provides pathways forward for durable solutions for displacement, climate change, and water, with an emphasis on regional cooperation.

Read full Expert Analysis here

Samuel HallOctober 1, 2024Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Refugees, expert analysis, climate change, Water scarcity, policy

MIDEQ Research report: Children in migration

September 2024

This study sheds light on the realities faced by children migrating along corridors like Burkina Faso-Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia-South Africa, and Egypt-Jordan. In Burkina Faso, boys migrate to fulfil societal norms, while girls use migration to challenge those expectations. In Egypt, children adapt to new family roles, and in Ethiopia, child migration linked to labour is normalised, despite the severe risks like trafficking.

Drawing from our research with Save the Children on the dangers faced by child migrants along the Central Mediterranean Route, the study reveals their extreme vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation at border crossings. To tackle these challenges, it calls for context-specific interventions and advocates for stronger policies to protect child migrants in Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, and across the Central Mediterranean Route. The study also emphasises the need for dedicated programs to directly address the risks faced by young migrants and highlights the importance of collaboration among governments, NGOs, and international bodies.

Our research with MDEQ shows that while children in South-South migration are vulnerable and exposed to many risks, they are also capable of negotiating these challenges, developing coping mechanisms, and showing resilience. By adopting this positive approach, programmers and policymakers can better recognise and adapt to the strengths of these children, ensuring more effective and meaningful support.

Read full report here.

Samuel HallSeptember 20, 2024Migration, ETHIOPIA, Burkina Faso, Egypt, jordan, South Africa, Child Migration

Samuel Hall & REHA: Harnessing Hope - Community Perceptions & Climate Adaptation in Afghanistan

August 2024

Afghanistan ranks eighth among 170 nations in vulnerability to climate change—with nearly 60% of the population affected by climate shocks, compared to 19% by security-related shocks. While there have been efforts to address these issues, including bans on forest cutting and promoting reforestation, the ability of communities to cope with droughts, floods, and extreme weather has diminished.

It's evident that climate change is a crisis we cannot afford to ignore. It intersects with and impacts every aspect of life in Afghanistan, affecting everyone. This challenge also presents an opportunity—a call to engage actively and collaboratively to address this urgent issue and its far-reaching consequences.?

This brief launches the collaboration between Samuel Hall and REHA in Afghanistan. In June 2024, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to combine our expertise in both research ("soft") and implementation ("hard") activities addressing climate change response in Afghanistan.

Our added value is to work with all stakeholders to solve this crisis for the benefit of the Afghan population. Our focus is on localising knowledge by engaging directly with communities and capturing their perceptions of climate change. This brief amplifies local voices—men, women, and children—to provide insights and recommendations that are both culturally relevant and practically actionable.

Download here

Flip through it here

Samuel HallAugust 15, 2024Afghanistan, Knowledge Brief, Leaning Brief

ADSP Research brief: Durable Solutions Analysis, Jalalabad/Nangarhar

August 2024

The Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) is a joint initiative of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) which works to contribute to the development of comprehensive solutions for displaced populations in Asia. Established in 2017, ADSP focuses on research initiatives to build an evidence base for its members and other humanitarian actors to facilitate joint advocacy and common understanding around durable solutions. Since 2022, Samuel Hall, a research organisation founded and based in Kabul, has been working with ADSP to build on existing data collected by members to create a space for research and advocacy on durable solutions.

The aim of this research brief is to go beyond data mapping on durable solutions to incorporate data sources from ADSP members, Samuel Hall, IOM and OCHA data, within a durable solutions analysis framework developed by the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS) in the East and Horn of Africa. The research brief focuses on the specific context of Jalalabad and surrounding areas in Nangarhar, which is home to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees,1 especially from Pakistan. Understanding city level data provides ways forward to fill in data gaps in support of durable solutions programming.

Download full brief here.

Samuel HallAugust 5, 2024Afghanistan, ADSP, DRC, NRC, displaced persons, Research brief

Islamic Relief: The Added Value of Faith Actors in Localisation: Opportunities and Barriers in Humanitarian Action

July 2024

Are faith actors the missing link in effective localisation efforts?

The study commissioned by Islamic Relief Worldwide explores and analyses the unique contributions and challenges faced by faith actors (FAs) in humanitarian settings across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Palestine, and Mozambique.

Our findings reveal that contrary to common misconceptions, most faith actors are non-missionary, and their values align closely with humanitarian principles. They play a crucial role in providing mental health and psychosocial support, particularly in crisis situations, where they foster community solidarity and resilience. However, despite their potential, faith actors often face significant barriers, such as limited funding, structural challenges, and cultural misunderstandings that prevent their full engagement.

What the Report offers?

Beyond data and analysis, the report:
Debunks pervasive myths about faith actors
Highlights the common values shared between faith and secular actors, promoting a more unified approach to humanitarian action.
Through case studies, stories, and voices from the field, it brings to life the impactful work of faith actors in diverse contexts.
Moreover, it provides concrete recommendations for both local actors and humanitarian organisations on overcoming challenges and integrating faith actors into the localising agenda.

Read the executive summary here and the full report here.

HBS & RELON: Policy Brief: Strengthening Gender-Sensitive Responsiveness among RLOs in Kenya and Uganda

June 2024

Refugee-led organisations (RLOs) are essential in bridging the gap between refugees and broader communities, facilitating services and advocating for refugee rights. Despite their crucial role, RLOs are often sidelined in decision-making processes. This policy brief aims to address these challenges by providing recommendations for donors and stakeholders.

This brief results from a workshop held in Nairobi, supported by Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) - Africa Migration Hub, Samuel Hall, RELON Kenya, and RELON Uganda and calls for the following policy recommendations

Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensure RLOs have representation in all relevant decision-making bodies to influence policies directly affecting refugees.
Financial Empowerment: Promote direct and sustainable funding approaches for RLOs to enhance their financial inclusion and long-term impact.
Gender Transformative Agenda: Support RLOs in developing and implementing gender strategies to ensure gender inclusivity within their activities.
Digital Advocacy: Enhance RLOs’ capacity to use digital media for advocacy, communication, and storytelling through additional training and resources.

Read full brief here.

Samuel HallJune 19, 2024REFUGEE LED ORGANISATIONS, RLOs, Refugee rights, Nairobi, East Africa, Uganda, advocacy, empowerment

ADSP: Research Brief - Land Allocation Schemes for the Displaced in Afghanistan

June 2024

In Afghanistan, over 6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living in protracted displacement, representing the second largest IDP population group worldwide. In addition, over half a million Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan in the fall of 2023. The displaced and returnees live often in informal settlements (ISETs) with no right to their land or housing, and at risk of forced evictions. Access to land or shelter has been for decades, and remains today, a fundamental challenge underscoring the need to examine responses to landlessness for the displaced.

Developed with Asia Discplacement Solutions Platfrom (ADSP) this Research Brief takes stock of past ‘Land Allocation Schemes’ in Afghanistan in order to better plan ahead. It provides an overview of these schemes, including in terms of their capacity to accommodate returnees, their shortcomings and successes, appropriateness and accessibility, notably as communicated by residents themselves. This is followed by a presentation of best practices, engagement opportunities and recommendations for meaningful engagement with the land-related needs of returnees and Internally Displaced Persons.

Read full Brief here

Samuel HallJune 3, 2024afghanistan, displacement, IDPs, ADSP, Research brief

HABITABLE: Rethinking habitability from ordinary experience in Kenya

May 2024

The consequences of climate change are particularly pronounced in Kenya, where 80% of the land is arid or semi-arid. Most stakeholders understand the short-and long-term risks for communities.

What critical and constructive perspective can the concept of habitability offer in this context? Based on fieldwork carried out in Kenya for the HABITABLE consortium, the aim of this article is to refine the contextual, in situ definition of habitability, using exclusively qualitative data, supplemented by video-mapping exercises.

Secondly, this paper tests the hypothesis of tipping points, understood as triggers for individual or collective decision-making. Finally, in the last part of our analysis, we propose rethinking socio-ecological systems in a dynamic way and conceiving habitability as both a common good in the making and a critical issue for the men and women living in Baringo, Makueni, and Eastleigh.

Rather than proposing a positivist view of habitability, this article suggests linking habitability more closely to the daily practices, habits, solidarities, and resistances that shape the ordinary lives of community residents and displaced persons.

Read full article here

Samuel HallMay 16, 2024Kenya, Climate change, Habitability, Qualitative data, Mobility

ADSP: Solutions for Afghan nationals ordered to return from Pakistan

May 2024

Since 2022, Samuel Hall, has been working with Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) to create a space for research and advocacy on durable solutions, building on existing data. The Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) is a joint initiative of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) which works to contribute to the development of comprehensive solutions for displaced populations in Asia. The aim of this series of briefs is to focus on the sub-regional protection needs of Afghan refugees, inform and raise awareness on the specific needs of demographic groups.

This Briefing Note focuses on the state of returns of Afghan nationals from Pakistan in the last quarter of 2023. It presents data collected from a mission in Afghanistan, to Torkham and Jalalabad, in November 2023, protection monitoring data collected by DRC and the Protection Cluster, and additional data from organisations working closely on the issue.

Read full Briefing note here.

Samuel HallMay 14, 2024Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Refugees, DRC, IRC, ADSP

Planning for Inclusive Urban Solutions in Afghanistan - From the Protracted Displacement in an Urban World Consortium

May 2024

Afghanistan hosts over 3.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and over 17 million returnees, with half a million Afghan nationals repatriated from Pakistan in late 2023 alone. This reality calls for new investments in inclusive urban solutions.

Our research in Afghanistan through the Protracted Displacement in an Urban World (PDUW) project led by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) from 2020 to 2023 focuses on long-term displacement experiences in urban areas and settlements - with the aim to build a robust evidence base to engage in a conversation with local actors and advocate for inclusive urban solutions through participatory forum planning processes.

This two-pager outlines the specifics of the research conducted in Afghanistan spanning from 2020 to 2024. The project comprised 889 initial surveys that informed 5 participatory forums engaging diverse stakeholders. The findings, based on three interrelated themes; wellbeing, livelihoods (with a particular focus on women), and urban city planning, provide invaluable insights into the overlooked dynamics of protracted displacement.

For a deeper understanding of the project's outcomes, please refer to the 2-pager and the attached outputs.

Research Brief: Afghanistan's unfolding crisis; Wellbeing and livelihoods of displaced people before and after the regime change
Read Policy Brief - Displaced people in Afghanistan’s cities need support
Read Policy Brief - Inclusive urban solutions: city actors engaging with displaced communities
Read City Note - Jalalabad Participatory Forums

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