This study examines how climate change leads to internal displacement in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, forcing communities to move due to recurring extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. Displacements are often sudden and unplanned, leaving families without secure land, legal recognition, or essential services such as water, healthcare, and education.

The study focuses on three regions heavily impacted by climate shocks: East Bale Zone in Ethiopia, Tana River County in Kenya, and Lower Juba in Somalia. It is based on 102 in-depth interviews, meetings with 10 local stakeholders and 15 focus group discussions, which engaged 177 displaced individuals, especially highlighting the perspectives of women, youth, persons with disabilities, elders, and Indigenous groups.

While displacement causes differ by country, the impacts are similar, with families losing homes and livelihoods, and facing challenges in accessing basic services. Early warning systems are often absent or ineffective, and host communities are strained, particularly concerning land and water access. Nevertheless, instances of cooperation and solidarity between displaced and host populations were noted.

The report underscores successful practices, including traditional governance, community support networks, and the contributions of NGOs and faith-based organizations in providing early warnings and assistance. However, significant gaps persist: national policies and climate strategies generally overlook internally displaced persons, leading to weak or unenforced legal protections.

The findings reveal a common trajectory across the three countries, which can be summarized in four key phases: Phase 1 - Before displacement; Phase 2 - Decision to move; Phase 3 - During during displacement; and Phase 4 - Arrival at host community.

Phase 1 involves early climate stress (droughts, floods) and inadequate preparedness, with ineffective early warning systems in remote areas. Communities often relocate without sufficient information or preparation.

In Phase 2, decisions to move are sudden and poorly supported. People typically travel on foot, facing long journeys without food, shelter, or safety, increasing risks for vulnerable groups like women and children.

Phase 3 sees varied reception: some host communities are welcoming, while others face tension over resources. Many internally displaced persons (IDPs) end up in informal settlements with limited services.

In Phase 4, IDPs often lack legal recognition and access to land, with little involvement in development planning. Few have a say in their integration, return, or relocation options, and national strategies seldom offer clear paths to recovery.