How have droughts affected migration from rural areas of Burkina Faso?

Severe intermittent droughts have significantly impacted the population of Burkina Faso, where approximately nine-tenths of the people rely on subsistence agriculture or livestock raising. These difficult environmental conditions have acted as a primary driver for migration, forcing many to leave rural areas in search of better opportunities.1

This movement occurs both within the country, as people migrate from rural regions to urban centers, and internationally. Historically, many Burkinabés have sought employment in neighboring countries, particularly Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. At times, this migration has involved as many as 1.5 million people, representing nearly one-third of the labour force. However, this pattern of migration has faced challenges in the 21st century due to political unrest in neighboring regions, which has complicated the ability of Burkinabés to secure work abroad.1