Migration

Approximately 80 percent of all migratory movements involve rural areas, either as place of origin or of destination. Over 1.3 billion people living in developing countries have migrated within their own country. Numbers are rapidly increasing, as the deterioration of rural livelihoods, accelerated by climate change, is leading millions of people to migrate, especially within countries. 

Rural populations are among the most vulnerable to both extreme weather events and gradual environmental changes, as their livelihoods depend on natural resources. As people move, rural areas may suffer from the loss of the workforce, with risks for people who stay behind, especially women and children. Food security is also compromised. In destination areas, migrant workers play an essential role in agrifood systems, from production to distribution, but are often employed under precarious and risky conditions. Waves of reverse migration to rural areas, like the one triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, showed the struggle that rural communities face in reintegrating migrants returning home. 

However, migration can also be an engine of economic growth and innovation, and it can greatly contribute to more inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. Globally, an estimated 50 percent of remittances are sent to rural areas. When migrants and diaspora (migrants and their descendants who live abroad and still maintain close ties to their country of origin) are provided with adequate support, they can contribute financial resources, skills and knowledge to food security, employment, and climate change adaptation. 

The role of FAO

FAO is committed to making migration a choice and an opportunity for rural populations, and to maximizing its benefits. The Organization does so through an integrated approach that builds on four priorities for action:

• Managing climate mobility. FAO helps rural people build climate-resilient livelihoods and restore ecosystems, thereby reducing the pressure to migrate. FAO also helps migrants and diaspora contribute to inclusive climate action and harness migration as a climate adaptation strategy. 
• Creating alternatives to migration and reintegrating migrants in rural areas. FAO helps rural communities access decent jobs, adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, and kick start farm and off-farm businesses to increase resilience to climate change, reduce the need to migrate out of necessity, and sustainably reintegrate back home.
• Boosting the contribution of diaspora to agribusiness. FAO helps migrants and diaspora contribute resources and skills to rural areas through diaspora–youth matching, mentorship, coaching and investments. FAO also empowers diaspora to contribute to sustainable agribusiness and inclusive climate action by strengthening their voice and networks.
• Protecting migrants working in agrifood systems. FAO advocates for improving working and living conditions for migrants to realize their right to food and decent work, and promotes safe and regular labour mobility for migrants working in agrifood systems, including seasonal and temporary workers.

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