The micle research project investigates the social-ecological conditions of population movements in Mali and Senegal. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationships between climate-related environmental changes and migration. This working paper provides a summary of selected issues analysed within the project, including: an outline of the current scientific debate on climate change, environment and migration; climatic and environmental conditions in the Sahel in general and Mali and Senegal in particular; the changing patterns of migration into and from West Africa; the most important international, regional and national policies concerning migration in both countries; and an overview of the conceptual approach of the micle project.