Food Security and International Migration: A comparative study of Asia, Middle East/North Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract

International migration is a fast‐growing global phenomenon. It is influenced by various factors and the drivers are complex and varied. Research shows that migration can be triggered by poverty, food insecurity, inequality, poor income‐generating opportunities and increased competition for scarce land and water resources. Thus, for many, it is considered a necessary livelihood strategy. The main objective of this study was to explore the association between migration and food security status amongst various global regions, including Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Latin America Caribbean, and Sub‐Saharan Africa. Data collected face‐to‐face from the 2015 Gallup World Poll were used. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale within this dataset was used to categorize food security (food secure, mild food insecurity (FIS), moderate FIS, severe FIS). Different statistical analyses formed the basis this work. Firstly, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data for the population migration at the regional level. Secondly, logistic regression was used to explain the relationship between migration status and food security status, adjusting for socioeconomic characteristics including, gender, age, education, employment status, the area of residence (rural/urban), born in the country or not, household size, and personal health status. Results from the adjusted logistic regression revealed that food security is negatively associated with international migration. More specifically, being severely food insecure increased one's likelihood of international migration by 1.414 times. Additionally, results showed that being male (OR:1.283), being between 26 to 49 years of age (OR:2.365), being divorced/living separately (OR:1.397), being out of workforce (OR:1.303), having higher education (OR:2.133), having poor health status (OR=1.505), living in urban areas (OR:1.223) and having a large household size (OR:1.163) all significantly increased one's odds of international migration. Interestingly, being born in the country of origin decreased the likelihood of international migration (OR: 0.691). Finally, with regards to global region, the probability of being an international migrant was highest amongst individuals from Latin America Caribbean (OR: 2.101), and Sub‐Saharan Africa (OR: 1.997). It is clear that among factors contributing to international migration, food security plays a key role. The findings are consistent with previous studies concerning international migration in that gender, age, education and region (urban/rural) were all associated with migration.