Syrian farmers in the midst of drought and conflict: the causes, patterns, and aftermath of land abandonment and migration

The prevailing narrative on the Syrian Civil War attributes it to climate-induced migration resulting from a severe drought, which serves as central link connecting climate change with 2011 protests. However, limited research has involved interviews Syrians, most studies focusing drought's meteorological aspects and estimated migrant numbers. Our interdisciplinary study we conduct surveys 82 former farmers in Turkey, carry out 16 in-depth interviews, analyse satellite images explore land use activities. objective is answer three questions: (1) How can distinguish between 'forced displacement' 'migration an adaptive response' during 2007–2009 drought Syria subsequent civil war? (2) do abandonment, interact since 2006? (3) enhance understanding of 'trapped' individuals, considering mobility restrictions host countries rather than solely immobility country origin? findings are threefold: firstly, employed measures against before war; secondly, abandonment was less extensive portrayed literature linking climate, migration, conflict; finally, emphasize that refugees may feel trapped even after leaving their homes.