Rethinking planned relocation as social protection in an era of increasing climate change risks

Ncube, Tomy, & Murray, Una. (2026). Rethinking planned relocation as social protection in an era of increasing climate change risks, Researching Internal Displacement. (Working Paper No. 51), https://researchinginternaldisplacement.org/working-papers/rethinking-planned-relocation-as-social-protection-in-an-era-of-increasing-climate-change-risks/

Abstract

As climate impacts intensify, planned relocation is increasingly deployed as an adaptation strategy, yet outcomes for relocated communities remain consistently adverse. This paper argues that these failures stem from the treatment of planned relocation as a short-term, projectized disaster response rather than as a long-term developmental intervention. Drawing on social protection theory, we reconceptualise planned relocation as a form of social assistance, capable of delivering durable solutions. We demonstrate that planned relocation inherently performs preventive, protective, promotive, and potentially transformative social protection functions by minimising future climate risks, providing non-contributory transfers such as land and housing, and enabling livelihood reconstruction. However, when implemented outside formal social protection systems, these functions may collapse, often resulting in impoverishment and protracted displacement. Our paper outlines an exploratory framework for qualifying planned relocation within social protection policy and shows how reframing planned relocation as a social housing program can address institutional fragmentation and missed opportunities for climate finance. We propose a joint financing model in which international climate funds could support capital investments, while domestic social protection systems focus on service support and rebuilding livelihoods. Reconceptualising planned relocation in this way aligns climate adaptation with social justice objectives and offers a pragmatic pathway for achieving durable solutions for climate-displaced populations.

Funder

Research Ireland
University of Galway

Publisher

Researching Internal Displacement

Rights

CC BY-NC-ND

cbn

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