Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development

Food Insecurity Exacerbated by Climate Change “Right to foods for a better life and a better future,” the theme of the 2024 World Food Day, underscores the importance of diverse, nutritious, affordable, and safe food for all. Food is a fundamental human right, alongside air, water, life, liberty, work, and education. Prolonged crises and climate change, as highlighted in the IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report, are disrupting agricultural production, leading to food insecurity. In India, where 60% of agriculture depends on rainfall, erratic weather patterns pose significant threats to farmers' livelihoods. Globally, 80% of the extremely poor live in rural areas, relying on agriculture and natural resources. Land degradation, desertification, and groundwater salinity further weakens food systems. With 40% of the world's land degraded and two billion people at risk, the link between climate change, food insecurity, and migration is becoming increasingly urgent. While climate change is not the sole driver of food insecurity or migration, it exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and pressures. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring a food-secure future for all. #WorldFoodDay #FoodSecurity #ClimateAction #LabourMigration

On International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), let us recognize the urgent need to address inequality and build resilient communities. For workers, labour migration can be a powerful tool for adapting to climate change in the source areas. By providing financial stability, facilitating knowledge transfer, and supporting community development, migration can significantly foster resilience. Governments must play a role in creating safe and well-managed migration pathways to maximise these benefits. Disasters and inequality are intertwined. Inequality increases vulnerability to disasters, while disasters worsen inequalities. Addressing these root causes is crucial for promoting resilience. At CMID, we are committed to advancing the inclusion of migrant workers and strengthening community resilience. #IDDRR2024 #ClimateChange #LabourMigration #DisasterResilience

In Kochi’s Panampilly Nagar, families of migrant workers from Odisha and West Bengal come together annually to celebrate Durga Puja, reflecting both cultural pride and community bonding. The festival serves as a space for them to connect with their roots and build a sense of solidarity far from home. Artisans and priests from Bengal are often invited to ensure the authenticity of decorations and rituals. The celebrations also attract locals, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect. This community-driven initiative exemplifies how migrant workers maintain their traditions, creating a vibrant cultural mosaic in the receiving societies. #DurgaPuja #Kochi #MigrantWorkers #Community #Culture #LabourMigration

Benoy Peter,  executive director of CMID shares his reflections on migrant housing in India. #WorldHabitatDay #AffordableHousing #MigrantWorkers #HousingRights #LabourMigration

Gram Vikas and CMID have been continuously striving to examine labour migration from the eastern ghats region of Odisha. These rigorous studies provide estimates of migration, remittances, etc at block level for evidence informed actions. Please visit our publication page for the study reports https://lnkd.in/gpkMJUdS

In Kochi’s Peringattu Parambu, over 1,000 migrant workers from Surada, Odisha, have found a new livelihood and community. Their migration, in addition to their aspirations, driven by exceptional wages, the strong presence of community, and the absence of caste bias, is reshaping the local economy. While facing challenges in accommodation, these workers have created a thriving cultural hub, contributing to Kerala’s economy and the migrants and natives live in harmony. Our partnership with Gram Vikas, Odisha, enabled us to support migrant workers along the corridor. We continue to highlight the resilience and adaptability of these workers and the potential for positive cross-cultural interactions. Thanks to The Hindu for featuring this. #migrantworkers #Kerala #Odisha #safemigration #inclusivesocieties #labourmigration #CMID #migration 

The housing needs of urban migrant workers are distinct. They often seek flexible living arrangements that allow them to move based on work opportunities, build social networks, reduce living costs, maximise remittances, and maintain connections across multiple locations. While a self-owned dwelling is ideal, a more adaptable and affordable housing solution is often necessary for this population. On World Habitat Day, let's reflect on the housing challenges faced by millions of migrant workers in India. Despite government efforts, affordable housing remains a distant dream for many. #worldhabitatday #AffordableHousing #MigrantWorkers #HousingRights #CMID #migrants #migration

Migrant workers from Odisha joyfully dance in front of the Bandhu Shramik Seva Kendra in Kochi, a moment of respite amidst their demanding work schedules far from home. The BSSK, a collaborative initiative of Gram Vikas and CMID, supported by the Axis Bank Foundation, serves as a resource and facilitation centre for workers from Odisha in Kochi, offering them a welcoming space to connect and find joy in their shared experiences. Featured in the video are Bichitra, Narayan, Chitrasena, Bachan, and Sidhanta, with editing by Pinku.  #migration #migrants #Odisha #CMID

How the family of a migrant worker who died in Kerala had to go through several uncertainties and miserably wait for eight days for the cremation, without consuming cooked food.  #migrants #migration #Odisha #Kerala #CMID

Migrant households in Kerala face numerous challenges, with the lack of access to affordable childcare services being a critical concern. Many migrant children accompany their parents to construction sites, factories, or industrial settings, where they are frequently at risk. Hazards include exposure to toxic substances, harmful dust, and heavy machinery. Tragically, there have been instances where children have lost their lives while playing near machines and industrial waste. In situations where parents cannot find suitable childcare, they often have no choice but to leave their children unsupervised in their temporary settlements leaving them vulnerable to abuse and violence. This puts an undue burden on older siblings, who are often forced to drop out of school to care for younger siblings, thereby sacrificing their own education. Haritha John's article in The News Minute highlights the urgent need for migrant sensitive childcare facilities in Kerala. Revising the timing of the Anganwadis and day care centres would provide a safe, nurturing  and inclusive environment for children while allowing parents to work without fear or stress. These facilities would not only protect children but also ease the emotional and logistical burdens faced by migrant families, enabling them to focus on securing their livelihoods. #migrantworkers #childcare #Kerala #safetyfirst #safemigration https://lnkd.in/gJAMKKDZ