Introduction
Chad is among the most affected countries by climate change in the world. The effects of global warming are felt daily with record-breaking floods and droughts across the country, disrupting children’s school attendance and forcing families to be displaced, placing additional economic pressure on communities. There is already a lack of infrastructure for access to schools in rural areas which is exacerbated by climate change, and in agricultural areas where livelihoods depend so heavily on the environment, education is an increasingly necessary tool.
A Vulnerable Environment
Chad’s geography makes it especially vulnerable to extreme weather. While desertification affects northern regions, heavy rainfall and flooding increasingly impact southern and eastern areas. These environmental changes disrupt traditional ways of life and place additional pressure on already limited public services, including education and transport. For many communities in Chad, extreme weather events lead to children being taken out of school, either from a necessity to support their families, or from prolonged school closures and forced displacement. For pastoralist farmers, who move across vast areas of land and varying environments with their livestock according to seasons, a migratory livelihood means children do not have access to a regular education.
Gender Equality to Help against Climate Change
Gender equality and the right for education for girls are deeply entwined in Chad’s journey of sustainable development. During periods of climate-related hardship, girls are often the first to be taken out of school to support household responsibilities. This undermines efforts to improve literacy and employment opportunities at a time when these skills are increasingly important and the need to mobilise the entire population is paramount. Youth empowerment programs and projects supported by organisations such as the African Development Bank, UNESCO, and UNICEF, have begun to address these challenges and Chad is set to release a handbook that integrates gender equality and climate change into policy planning.
Displacement
Climate-related displacement also places strain on education systems in host communities across Chad. In the flood-prone regions of the South, the Lake Chad Basin, as well as the Sudanese border where there are also refugees fleeing conflict, communities face increasing pressure in schools where the infrastructure is not able to accommodate displaced families. Flooding, drought, and environmental degradation force families to relocate internally, often to areas with limited school capacity. As a result, classrooms become overcrowded and resources stretched, making it difficult for both displaced children and host communities to access quality education. In regions already hosting refugees from neighbouring countries, climate pressures further complicate efforts to provide inclusive and stable schooling for all children.
Conclusion
As climate change intensifies, the importance of education as a tool for building resilience against climate change is increasing. Educated young people are better equipped to adapt to environmental challenges, innovate, and participate in solutions for a sustainable future, and can take forward region-specific knowledge, combined with climate-aware education into the workforce. In a country already facing economic and social challenges, protecting access to education in the face of climate change is essential for Chad’s long-term development.
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