The impacts of migration for adaptation and vulnerability

This research overview examines how migration affects the conditions for adaptation. This is done by looking at three parts, the migrant themselves, the community of origin, and community of destination. Can migration serve as a strategy for adaptation for all three parts at the same time? Depending on the circumstances, migration might reinforce the adaptation capacity of some populations, but reinforce the vulnerabilities of others.

Some overall conclusions

Access to climate information should be facilitated.
It is recommended that development policies and disaster recovery policies are better calibrated around remittances, with a view to maximise the potential of the latter for adaptation.
Rather than seeking to limit rural exodus, it is recommended to boost the capacities of cities - and of mid-sized cities in particular - to accommodate migration.
Agricultural patterns and techniques will need to be a key element of any adaptation strategy in rural livelihoods.
The development of specific national strategies on migration as a tool for adaptation would be welcome.

About the author

The report is written by François Gemenne, FNRS senior researcher and director of the Hugo Observatory, University of Liège, Belgium.

The Delmi Research Overview 2022:2 is launched on May 13, 2022.

Photo by Bethany Fank from iStock

The impacts of migration for adaptation and vulnerability

Some overall conclusions

About the author

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