Type

Journal Article

Author(s)

Riosmena, F.
Nawrotzki, R.
Hunter, L. M.

Title

Rainfall Trends, Variability and U.S. Migration from Rural Mexico: Evidence from the 2010 Mexican Census

Year

2013

Journal

Working Paper – Population Program, Instituteof Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder

Vol (No), pp

1-53

Abstract

In contrast to previous research we find that, in states experiencing relative precipitation declines, these rainfall deficits are associated with lower migration. Yet, we find two instances in which lower rainfall is indeed associated with higher migration in these same states. First, low relative precipitation during the secondary maize growing season implied higher emigration levels. Second, rainfall deficits were associated with U.S.-bound migration out of municipalities with stronger migratory traditions. We argue that international migration is thus a more common adaptation strategy to climate variability only in times of particularly dire or extended droughts, or out of places with well-established migrant networks.

Citation

Riosmena, F., Nawrotzki, R., & Hunter, L. M. (2013). Rainfall Trends, Variability and U.S. Migration from Rural Mexico: Evidence from the 2010 Mexican Census. Working Paper – Population Program, Instituteof Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder, 1-53. URL : http://www.colorado.edu/ibs/pubs/pop/pop2013-0002.pdf