From farms to borders: How reducing agricultural distortions can curb cross-border migration
International migration has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, outpacing global population growth. A large share of migrants come from rural areas, which also receive about 40% of worldwide remittance inflows
- Guetemala
- migration
- remittances
International migration has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, outpacing global population growth. A large share of migrants come from rural areas, which also receive about 40% of worldwide remittance inflows. Migration is a complex phenomenon, shaped by economic conditions and compounded by shocks such as extreme weather or conflict. Whatever the motivation, moving abroad can become an important strategy to sustain livelihoods and build resilience—though it often occurs through irregular (undocumented) channels, particularly among households facing food insecurity.
Among the key economic drivers of migration are agricultural distortions (market frictions stemming from inefficient regulations and policy interventions, information gaps that favor insiders, transaction costs, and other market imperfections). These can limit opportunities in rural economies and influence who stays and who leaves.