IOM and FAO: Linking migration and agri-food systems

FAO Brussels Director a.i. Rodrigo de Lapuerta met with Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Office for the EU, Norway and Switzerland, Ola Henrikson to discuss ways to build on the already strong partnership between the two organizations. They focused on ways to improve the mainstreaming of migration into rural development and agriculture, as well as the important role of migrants in agri-food systems.

The two directors highlighted, in particular, the work being done by their organizations on migration and rural development in Kenya. They also looked at the possibilities to join forces within the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit by strengthening cooperation on the Action Track 4 (“Advance equitable livelihoods”). Both highlighted that migrants have an important place within the agri-food system, as producers working on agricultural sites but also as consumers supporting local and national economies.

FAO also briefed the IOM on its strong partnership with the Africa-Europe Diaspora Development Platform (ADEPT) and the upcoming joint launch of the awareness-raising campaign aiming at shedding light on the role of the African diaspora in Covid-19 recovery in Africa

With its mission of ending food insecurity and malnutrition, eliminating poverty and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources, FAO is uniquely placed to support countries in addressing the rural dimensions of migration, its implications for rural populations, and its impact on the future of agriculture and food systems. FAO is expanding its work with the IOM and other partners to strengthen the positive contribution which migrants are making towards poverty reduction, improved food security and nutrition and resilience of rural livelihoods.

Read more on FAO’s work on migration here.