Impacts of migration on agriculture and rural areas

Rural migration – in particular out-migration – can have profound effects on rural development, food security and nutrition, and poverty, affecting agricultural production, rural households and the broader rural economy. The impacts of migration are felt both in migrants’ areas of origin and in their areas of destination. Understanding these impacts is important from an economic development perspective, not least because the implications of migration are often the subject of much heated debate. Negative perceptions of migration often result in policies that either explicitly or implicitly attempt to hinder or reduce migration. However, these policies risk restricting labour allocation in countries and markets that need it the most.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Responsible Consumption and Production

Decent Work and Economic Growth