Do climatic factors induce rural migration? Empirical evidence from cotton farmers in Benin

Abstract Sustainable agriculture is essential for food security, which can sometimes be undermined by rural migration triggered by many factors, including climate change. This article aims to analyze its effects on the dynamic of rural migration. Using a database of 623 agricultural households, a multivariate probit model (MVP) was estimated. The results show that regardless of the nature of migration, variables related to climate factors positively and significantly affect decisions to move. In addition, other non‐climatic variables relevant to environmental migration are cattle transhumance, which creates conflicts between herders and farmers, along with poor access to agricultural credit, agricultural and off‐farm income. Gender, age, household size, accessibility to educational and health facilities in the area of origin and experience in agricultural production must be considered. Emphasis should be placed on agricultural policies aimed at diversifying the income sources of rural households in developing countries. The study highlights the importance of both farm and non‐farm income in controlling migration. In the case of our study area, it is the combination of livestock and agriculture that seems to respond best. Producers are encouraged to diversify crops and, during periods of climatic disruption, the priority of households should be based on the production of food crops for subsistence.