Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

WFP quantifies the impact of food scarcity on migration

CP1689035620
FILE - In this Aug. 27, 2015 file photo police walk near a truck that stands on the shoulder of the highway A4 near Parndorf south of Vienna, Austria. Hungarian prosecutors say 11 men have been indicted in the case of the deaths of 71 migrants who suffocated to death in the back of a refrigerated truck in 2015. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

ROME – A new study by the World Food Program has quantified the impact of food insecurity and conflict on cross-border migration, showing a direct correlation between food scarcity and people fleeing for more secure destinations.

According to the study released Friday, every 1 percentage point increase in food insecurity compels 1.9 per cent more people to migrate. In addition, each year of conflict drives 0.4 per cent more people to flee a country.

At the same time, food insecurity fuels armed conflict and its intensity. And to complete the vicious circle, WFP says, “migration itself can cause food insecurity, given the costs and often hazardous conditions along the journey.”

WFP executive director David Beasley said “with so many of our brothers and sisters having fled their homes and facing so much hardship, it is our duty so shed light on their tragic situation.”

News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

Abbey Westbury

Related Articles