The Role of Digital Platforms in the Economic Empowerment Of Migrants and Forced Displaced Persons in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change

Abstract

Objectives: This paper explores how online platforms can economically empower migrants and refugees who are displaced due to climate-induced and environmentally related disasters. Given that climate change and natural disasters often force people to migrate, recent environmental migrants face significant challenges in securing economic opportunities. These challenges further complicate their ability to improve their economic circumstances. The paper aims to investigate how digital platforms can provide access to jobs, finance, skills, and entrepreneurship, potentially alleviating the difficulties associated with forced displacement.   Methods: The research employs qualitative interviews and case studies to explore how digital platforms contribute to economic empowerment from the perspective of displaced communities. It examines the types of platforms that are most used by migrants, such as job-matching sites, mobile money applications, and online learning resources. Additionally, the paper investigates the obstacles that refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) encounter when accessing and benefiting from these platforms. These barriers include language challenges, inadequate digital literacy, and poor access to the internet while in temporary shelters.   Results: The study identifies that the digital platforms most frequently used by migrants and displaced individuals are job-matching platforms, mobile money applications, and online learning tools. Despite their potential, the research also highlights the significant barriers faced by these groups in utilizing such platforms. These obstacles hinder the full economic potential of the displaced populations, limiting their ability to gain access to the resources and opportunities offered by the digital world.   Conclusion: The findings of the paper provide valuable insights into the role of digital platforms in fostering economic empowerment for displaced individuals. It offers practical recommendations to improve access to these platforms, as well as enhance the user experience for migrants and refugees. The study emphasizes the importance of digital platforms in creating economic opportunities for displaced people and outlines recommendations that could guide policymakers, NGOs, and platform developers. Ultimately, the research contributes to the understanding of sustainable digital pathways that can support economic survival and resilience amidst rising displacement crises.