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Diaspora communities are a powerful driver of economic growth in their countries of origin. They contribute to the development of agrifood systems, while also playing an important role in climate change adaptation and mitigation.  Yet, their full potential remains largely untapped – particularly in regions where climate impacts and socio-economic vulnerabilities are deeply intertwined.

Morocco and Senegal are on the frontlines of the climate crisis and exemplify this challenge. Rising temperatures and intensified frequency and severity of extreme weather events, are putting pressure on agriculture, which employs a significant share of the workforce in both countries.

With limited alternative livelihoods, migration from rural areas is increasing in both countries, especially among youth and men, often leaving women behind in vulnerable conditions. These interconnected dynamics highlight the need for coordinated actions involving different stakeholders.

In this context, the large diaspora communities from Morocco and Senegal represent a potential force for advancing sustainable development. With the right support, diaspora actors can channel investments, skills, and knowledge to strengthen food security, create decent jobs, and accelerate climate action in their countries of origin.

To harness this potential, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have launched the programme Boosting the contribution of diaspora to climate action in rural areas in Morocco and Senegal.

Why FAO and IOM

FAO brings expertise in agrifood systems, rural livelihoods and climate adaptation, while convening stakeholders and empowering diaspora as agents of change. IOM contributes its leadership on migration and the climate–migration nexus, with strong capacity to mobilize diaspora networks and partnerships. Together, they will leverage complementary strengths to deliver impact at scale.

Interventions

The FAO-IOM Programme strengthens the resilience of Senegalese and Moroccan rural communities by maximizing diaspora contributions to climate action in agrifood systems. It focuses on:

• Mobilizing and empowering the Moroccan and Senegalese diaspora based in Belgium with skills in sustainable agribusiness, climate-smart agricultural practices, and advocacy.
• Supporting agripreneurs, agricultural cooperatives, and rural youth and women's groups in Morocco and Senegal with training and coaching on climate-adaptive agriculture and green businesses, while facilitating access to diaspora's investments and knowledge.
• Enhancing policy dialogue between diaspora and national stakeholders on migration, agriculture, and climate change while establishing diaspora-inclusive coordination mechanisms on climate action.
• Raising awareness of diaspora contributions to food security and climate action, in collaboration with diaspora organizations and rural youth and women networks.

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Relevant links

• Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund
• FAO webpage on Migration
• International Organization for Migration