How does education affect migration from fragile and conflict-affected (FCAS) areas?

Is lack of education in FCAS a pull factor for migrants? Does the provision of education reduce the desire to move?

From:
Department for International Development
Published
5 October 2016
Document Type:
Thematic Summary
Theme:
Education, Governance and Conflict
Authors:
Health and Education Advice and Resource Team (HEART)

Abstract

The query for this report:

  • what evidence is there that lack of education in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) is a pull factor for migrants, and to what extent does the provision of education reduce the desire of people to move?

The report found:

  • that almost all of the information on education and migration from fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) deals with integrating refugees into schools, providing schools in refugee camps, and/or using education to promote peace and tolerance. This body of literature often includes the educational level and status of migrants, but does not examine whether education is a reason for migration.

  • the large quantity of literature examined for this review (approximately 100 studies) on reasons for migrating away from conflict showed no evidence that education was a strong factor in decisions. Violence, security, economic factors and social networks are all given consistently in the literature as the primary drivers of migration from FCAS.

  • in general, across low-income contexts, more educated people are more likely to migrate, due to a combination of greater aspirations and lack of appropriate employment in their home environment.

  • the literature suggests that education plays very little role in the decision to leave a conflict-affected area, as this is primarily a security issue, followed by livelihoods issues. However, education may play a part once people are on the move, in deciding where to go.

  • there is little to no evidence to suggest that provision of education in FCAS would change migration flows; as education is not a key driver of migration such provision is not likely to overcome the stronger drivers of insecurity and livelihood opportunities.

Citation

Health and Education Advice and Resource Team (HEART). Helpdesk Report : How does education affect migration from fragile and conflict-affected areas? HEART, Oxford, UK (2016) 14p

Helpdesk Report: How does education affect migration from fragile and conflict-affected areas?

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Published 5 October 2016
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