Maximizing the positive impacts of migration for rural development

8 November 2018, Washington, DC – FAO North America and CSIS Global Food Security Project hosted a discussion on the linkages between migration, agriculture and rural development, based on the latest State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA 2018) report, which focusses on this very topic.

The discussion was moderated by Kimberly Flowers, Director of Humanitarian Agenda and Global Food Security Project at CSIS. Flowers welcomed participants stating that rising hunger, conflict and forced displacement makes it timely to examine the linkages between migration, agriculture and rural development. 

Vimlendra Sharan, Director of FAO North America, underlined that migration has been a driver for development throughout history. He highlighted figures about migration from the report, which might seem counterintuitive to many assumptions and opinions about migration. For example, developing countries host 85 percent of international refugees, and the majority of international migrantion occurs between developing countries. He noted that the Sustainable Development Goal 10 calls for a reduction of inequality, and recognizes migration as an opportunity. 

A distinguished panel with representatives from UNHCR, IFPRI, the World Bank and the Embassy of Uganda further explored perspectives on migration and rural development.

Matthew Reynods, Regional Representative for the US and the Caribbean at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), accentuated that today's conflict are more complex and involve more actors than in the past. Malnutrition and food insecurity is common in different crises around the world. 

Rob Vos, Director of IFPRI’s Markets, Trade, and Institutions Division, stressed that the report brings a refreshing perspective on migration as a driver of development. The U.S. economy stands to lose from restricting migration, as migrants productive capacity gets lost. 

Kanta Kumari Rigaud, Lead Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, stressed that climate change is a main driver of forced migration, and will force millions of people to migrate in the future. It is key to handle the current crises and adjust to the new megatrends such as urbanization.

Michael Bulwaka, First Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Washington DC, underscored that climate change impacts such as droughts and changes in rainy seasons, as well as conflicts are key drivers behind migration in East Africa. Uganda’s Refugee Act of 2006 ensures that refugees are registered, allotted land for settlements and agriculture, and have access to local services such as schools and health services, to enable in order to assists refugees transition. He noted that most of the refugees hosted by Uganda are vulnerable populations consisting of women and children who require protection.

The event concluded that policies should aim to maximize the positive impacts that result from migration while minimizing the negative ones.

Watch the full session. 

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