Migration out of rural areas is a complex issue, especially when caused by distress and lack of alternatives. The decision to migrate depends on a number of variables, including poverty, food insecurity, lack of employment opportunities, conflicts, natural disasters, poverty employment opportunities, and as well as household and individual characteristics. The impact of rural out-migration on the areas of origin can be positive or negative, or a combination of both: migrants and returnees can contribute investments, remittances and skills for rural development, but distress migration can also result in the loss of the most vital and dynamic part of the workforce, with negative consequences on agricultural productivity. For this reason, policies and actions addressing distress migration need to both target its root causes and minimize negative consequences, while at the same time enhance the positive contribution of migration to rural areas. This infographic provides an overview of the root causes of economic distress migration of rural youth, in the context of labour migration, and describes how out-migration and remittances, if well managed, can contribute to rural development, poverty reduction and food security. For more information, please visit the webpage of the project Youth mobility, food security and rural poverty reduction”