Modern slavery affects over 50 million people worldwide. The situation is severe in Africa, where 3.8 million people are working in forced labor conditions and 3.2 million are trapped in forced marriage. Many factors like poverty and armed conflict drive modern slavery in Africa, but according to a new study by The Conversation, climate change is making it worse.

Climate change and modern slavery

Climate change does not impact societies equally—it amplifies existing inequalities, leaving already disadvantaged communities more vulnerable to exploitation. Those facing poverty, limited access to resources, or weak infrastructure suffer the most when extreme weather caused by climate change destroys homes and livelihoods. Floods, drought, wildfires, among other events, force families to migrate, making them an easy target for traffickers.

The article explains:

“As livelihoods diminish because of climate change, violent extremist groups and organised criminal networks have preyed on the vulnerable. Terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and al Shabaab have used victims in combat operations or held them in sexual slavery, for instance.”

Children are particularly vulnerable. Families struggling to survive often resort to marrying off daughters in exchange for a dowry or bride price. In Ghana, some families sell their children to labor agents who exploit them. Also, girls migrate to the country’s south in search of better conditions but find themselves trafficked and working under exploitative conditions.

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