Migrant Remittances and Household Food Security in Mzuzu, Malawi

Abstract

International remittances are a major source of income for many low and middle-income countries. As remittances are sent directly to families and friends living at the place of origin, they have a significant impact on alleviating poverty. The literature on remittances suggests that most remittance-receiving households in urban areas use a major portion of the remitted income for food purchase-indicating a close relationship between remittances and food security. However, understanding of how remittances are related to urban food security is still limited. More specifically, what is the role of remittances in overcoming food insecurity both directly (as an additional means available to access food), and indirectly (as a source of investment for income-generating activities)? This chapter explores these relationships between migrant remittances and household food security in the secondary city of Mzuzu, Malawi, based on semi-structured interviews with migrant households, returnee migrants and key informants.