Food System and Migration

According to the World Food Programme, every 1% increase in food insecurity sees a 2% increase in migration, with Africa being the most vulnerable continent

In recent years, the issue of migration from Africa to Europe has been at the forefront of global debates. Beyond the headlines and numbers, a deeper story unfolds—one that is rooted in the soil of the African continent itself. Climate change, resource depletion, and unsustainable agricultural practices create a domino effect extending far beyond individual nations’ borders. As harvests decline and water supplies decrease, many African communities are left struggling with food insecurity, forcing some to make the risky journey to Europe in search of better livelihoods. The intersection of food sustainability and migration is becoming a critical challenge of our time, linking environmental degradation to human displacement in ways that are both complex and urgent.

According to the World Food Programme, every 1% increase in food insecurity sees a 2% increase in migration, with Africa being the most vulnerable continent. Here, millions of people live in a state of constant hunger. Approximately 282 million people, nearly 20% of the population, are undernourished, and one-third of globally malnourished people reside here. For many, the choice to migrate is not just about seeking economic opportunities but a matter of survival. The numbers reveal the gravity of the situation. With no substantial improvements in Africa’s food systems, more than 5.400 additional migrants could be forced to reach Europe annually, driven by hunger and desperation.

This not only leads to forced migration and anxiety but also presents a critical challenge that Europe must address: ensuring everyone’s human rights to food security and a safe home.

For European countries already dealing with the migration challenge, the solution lies not solely in managing arrivals at their borders. Instead, efforts must be directed toward addressing the root causes of migration – particularly food insecurity.

The European Green Deal, with its Farm to Fork Strategy, supports African countries in developing sustainable food systems by sharing European expertise, promoting agroecology, and building climate resilience.

The latest G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative focuses solely on Africa, with which the Italian Presidency aspire to invest in food systems, infrastructure, and climate insurance, while also mobilizing technical aid to small-scale farmers who produce 70% of Africa’s food.

These are examples of political initiatives carried out. Still, there is another crucial aspect to acknowledge.

As the discussions around migration and food insecurity intensify, it is important to recognize that European consumer behavior can play a role in addressing said challenges. The Mediterranean region, known for its sustainable and healthy diet, offers a blueprint for how food choices can impact the environment and contribute to more resilient food nexuses.

The Mediterranean diet does not only have health benefits, it also offers environmental advantages, as it typically relies on locally sourced, plant-based foods with lower carbon footprints compared to diets that depend heavily on meat and processed foods. If more European consumers adopted sustainable dietary practices rooted in the Mediterranean diet, demand for resource-intensive foods could decrease, leading to a reduced strain on global agricultural systems. However, it’s important to note that transitioning to a Mediterranean diet may not be straightforward for all countries. Factors such as climate, agricultural practices, and cultural preferences will influence the feasibility and speed of adoption. Yet many would reap the benefits of transitioning to a diet mirroring the Mediterranean pyramid – the consumer, the environment, and not least those forced to migrate.

As the Food And Agriculture Organization states, migration should be a choice, not a necessity. By shifting consumer behavior toward more sustainable food choices, Europe could not only reduce its own environmental impact but also contribute to alleviating the global food crisis. Many crops integral to the Mediterranean diet like wheat, legumes, and some vegetables are also staples in African diets. Encouraging sustainable production and consumption of these foods could foster stronger agricultural ties between Europe and Africa and help African farmers thrive while reducing food insecurity on the continent.