In recent years, forced displacement has become a global problem of unprecedented scale, driven by conflict, violence, persecution and human rights violations. While the total number of displaced people reached an all-time high of nearly 60 million people in 2015, global attention has focused on the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, where continued conflict and violence most acutely affect Iraq, Syria, Yemen and neighbouring countries. The total population of concern in the region is estimated at around 22 million people.

According to the Stockholm Declaration, “at the root of conflict and fragility lie injustice, human rights violations, inequality, exclusion, poverty, poor management of natural resources and the absence of inclusive political settlements and capable institutions.” Therefore, people in crisis need more than relief and emergency services; people, communities and countries in crisis also need development strategies that solve underlying problems over the long term.

What is often not recognized is that forced displacement has a strong rural dimension. Large numbers of displaced people originate from rural areas, and now live in rural host communities, within or outside their home countries. This leads to the degradation of agricultural land and a collapse in food production in the areas left behind. It also increases pressure on natural resources, food security and agricultural systems in the host communities.