This report provides a detailed analysis of how migration is connected to land ownership, land use change, and land degradation. It begins with an overview of general migration theories, and then quickly focuses on how environmental factors influence migration. After introducing a well-established conceptual model to guide further analysis, the report takes the reader through a large number of specific examples of migration associated with land degradation and droughts, from a range of countries and regions. Emphasis is placed upon the influences of socio-economic and political processes, as well as the complexity of interactions, and the heterogeneity of the potential migration outcomes. Common themes that run through the examples are highlighted, such as adaptation, diversification, social networks, gendered migration, and the importance of land tenure arrangements. The report summarizes how climate change will affect and alter existing land degradation-migration dynamics. This is followed by an overview of methods used by researchers to measure and map land degradation-associated migration, and to identify potential future ‘hotspots’. The report concludes by summing up common themes and identifying important considerations for policymakers. These emphasize that, because livelihoods in degraded areas are closely interconnected with migration, any policies that do not consider the migration implications of potential interventions run a risk of failure and of impoverished people who depend on the land. The report points to a strong need for migration to be considered and mainstreamed on an ongoing basis into international, regional, and national policies and programs to combat land degradation
