Local community leaders’ perceptions of environmental (im)mobility in the case of El Niño in Lurigancho-Chosica

This study aims to investigate how community leaders of Lurigancho-Chosica, in Lima-Perú, perceive environmental (im)mobility in their community due to the effects of El Niño-Southern Oscillation [ENSO]. ENSO is a recurrent climate event that will likely worsen with rising world temperatures. Lurigancho-Chosica is a highly vulnerable area and one of the most affected by ENSO in the country because of landslides. More knowledge is needed on this issue because it has not been researched in this community and due to its significant toll on the community’s livelihoods. Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with ten community leaders as key informants from Lurigancho-Chosica to explore their perspectives on environmental (im)mobility in their communities in the context of El Niño episodes. Community leaders proved to be a valuable source of information. The findings suggest that community leaders do not perceive mobility as a salient strategy for facing ENSO. Some aspirations to migrate are identified, but abilities to make those aspirations a reality are lacking. Adaptation is more centered on a community level, and they highly rely on their organization skills and networks to face the consequences of the phenomenon, demonstrating social resilience. This study highlights the complexity of the (im)mobility continuum and the need to consider the interconnectedness of the different factors that explain migration proclivity at different levels. The study suggests future research, including applying a life course perspective on immobility, delving into the policy implications of the issue, and exploring other Peruvian contexts regarding ENSO.