Mainstreaming migration into rural development interventions

Agriculture continues to remain an economic strength of many African economies accounting for a growing share of workers. Many migrants working in the agricultural sector face challenging conditions, with limited or no access to core services and generally poor access to social protection. 

Moreover, youth are increasingly leaving rural areas and migrating to urban areas to search for greater economic and social opportunities. An inclusive approach to strengthening rural transformation can especially help to ensure that migrants and their families are not left behind.

In the run-up to the European Union - African Union summit, this event is being organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of the first edition of the Africa-Europe Week of Partnerships.

The event will raise awareness on the need for integrated solutions and approaches to rural development and migration. By providing concrete examples of the current situation and what can be done, the participants will leave the event with an improved understanding of how to integrate migration in policy and programming, also inspired by some efforts that are already well advanced in countries such as Kenya.