Lack of economic opportunity is a root cause of irregular migration. As a major factor that makes people leave their homes, progressing climate change threatens the productivity of Africa’s land and deprives farmers of economic prospects.

Irregular migration contributes to brain drain in African countries. Those who leave are often the young who, unemployed at home, look for a better economic future elsewhere.

COVID-19 is likely to increase youth unemployment in Africa as, according to the World Economic Forum, some 20 million jobs are threatened. With youth unemployment in Africa already double that of adults, the potential for social unrest is heightened.

Within the Rural Resilience Programme, the Initiative for Sustainability, Stability and Security in Africa (3S Initiative) tackles the interlinked issues of climate resilience, youth unemployment and irregular migration in an integrated manner by focusing on agroecology and degraded land areas of the continent.