International Migration, Remittances and Adaptation Practices to Climate Change of Agricultural Households in Coastal Oases (Southeastern Tunisia)

In the arid regions of southeastern Tunisia, international migration—often driven by declining agricultural yields under the effects of climate change—can strengthen agro system resilience when part of the remitted funds is invested in adaptation practices. However, its effect may become neutral or even negative when remittance volumes are low or when beneficiaries are reluctant to invest. This study aims to analyze the impact of migration on climate change adaptation practices and agricultural production in the coastal oases of southeastern Tunisia. The methodology relies on a literature review, a field survey of 212 households, and statistical and econometric analyses. Descriptive analysis by migration status reveals a slight predominance of migrant households in terms of adaptation practices and agricultural outputs. Furthermore, the econometric model shows decreasing returns to scale (0.52 + 0.45 = 0.97 < 1). Although capital and labor influence production in a less than proportional manner, migration plays a significant role in improving income and the share saved for productive self financing. For identical levels of capital and labor, migrant households produce on average 35.67% more than non migrant households. The study highlights gaps and opportunities for adaptation through migrant remittances. Policies should further mobilize migrants to engage in climate change adaptation processes, particularly in vulnerable regions, by relying on reforms in agricultural investment, awareness raising, extension services, and cooperative land management governance.