Every year the SIANI secretariat organizes a meeting so our members have a chance to interact with each other in person and to provide input for the work-plan of the year ahead. This time we chose Migration, Agriculture and Rural Development as a theme for our Annual Meeting. At our event we will explore different dimensions of migration and we invite you to reflect on this vital topic together.

Migration is a growing global phenomenon and most countries are simultaneously countries of origin, transit and destination for migrants. Conflicts, violence and natural disasters are among the root causes of migration and forced displacement. Many migrants are compelled to move because of socio-economic factors, including poverty, food insecurity, lack of employment opportunities, limited access to social protection, natural resource depletion and the adverse impacts of environmental degradation and climate change. As economies undergo structural transformation and the agricultural sector becomes relatively smaller, the movement of people within and across countries is inevitable.

Migration should be a choice, not a necessity. International cooperation can help to deal with  the drivers behind large movements of people and create conditions for communities to live in peace and prosperity in their homelands.

Agricultural development can address the root causes of migration, including rural poverty, food insecurity, inequality, unemployment, lack of social protection as well as natural resource depletion due to environmental degradation and climate change.

Investing in sustainable rural development, climate change adaptation and resilient rural livelihoods is a crucial part of the global response to the current migration challenge. Agriculture and rural development interventions can help host communities and displaced people to cope with and recover from shocks and lay the foundations for long-term sustainability.

To register for the Annual Meeting, fill in the Event Registration Form HERE.