Unpacking the Nexus of Water Stress, Migration, Gender Inequality, and Health Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa

This is an open-access article.

Sub-Saharan Africa faces intersecting challenges of water scarcity, climate-induced migration, and gender inequality, all of which have profound implications for health. These overlapping stressors, compounded by fragile socioeconomic conditions, contribute to heightened vulnerability, particularly among women, whose mobility is often restricted by gender norms, increasing their exposure to health risks. Despite the growing recognition of these challenges, the interconnected impacts on physical and psychosocial health remain underexplored. Understanding these overlapping issues supports integrated interventions and aligns with SDGs 3, 5, 6, and 13. The study aims to inform inclusive, context-specific policy responses that address the compounded health vulnerabilities of marginalized populations in Sub-Saharan Africa through climate-resilient and gender-responsive strategies. This study employed a mixed-methods approach combining a narrative review with key informant interviews to examine these linkages. Findings were thematically analyzed using systems thinking and a nexus approach to identify key patterns. It found that water stress, migration, gender inequality, and health outcomes are deeply interconnected in the region, with women disproportionately bearing the impacts. Gender norms amplify risks, leading to adverse physical, nutritional, and psychosocial health outcomes. Addressing these challenges requires integrated, gender-transformative, and cross-sectoral interventions that strengthen resilience, equity, and sustainable development in the region. This study underscores the urgency of adopting nexus-oriented, gender-transformative, and integrated policy and health responses within climate adaptation and development planning.