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Anticipatory action interventions to mitigate the effects of drought and migration on food security in Colombia

Protecting livelihoods and boosting social cohesion between Venezuelan migrants, Colombian returnees and host communities in the department of La Guajira

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2020

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 8p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Category Brochure

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Colombia’s northern neighbor Venezuela has slipped into a deep economic crisis that has sent 5 million people across borders in search of food and stability. It has been the fastest movement of people in Latin America’s recent history and it has affected Colombia more than any other country in the region. As of December 2019, almost 1.8 million migrants from Venezuela registered in Colombia. Many have settled in bordering areas like La Guajira, where communities have opened their doors to Venezuelan migrants and Colombian returnees alike, sharing homes and meals. La Guajira is the driest and poorest province of Colombia and many communities have struggled with a history of chronic food insecurity and malnutrition, even before the current migration crisis. The frequency and intensity of recurrent droughts is also increasing due to climate change. The impact of drought on food security has affected especially indigenous people like the Wayúu, who make up a third of the population in this part of Colombia and who frequently lack access to public services. Rearing sheep and goats is a mainstay for Wayúu families. But lately, the need to feed more people has driven many to start selling or eating their productive animals – one of many negative coping strategies families resort to in times of crisis. Across communities on the Venezuela border, the influx of people has also resulted in an excess of workers, which has driven down wages and put additional pressure on communities.

Language English

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