Stresses from climates change can
increase the likelihood of domestic or
international conflict, state failure and
migration.
The RUAF network was initiated in response to the needs identified by a group of representatives from 28
international organisations, including UNDP, FAO, IDRC, GTZ and CIRAD, that met in Ottawa (Canada) in 1994 and recognised the need to address the
increasing «urbanisation of poverty» and growing urban food insecurity related to urban - rural
migration, lack of formal employment, rising food prices, growing dependence on food imports,
increasing dominance of supermarkets and fast food chains, and challenges posed by climate change.
While net
international migration has not reached prior levels, net domestic
migration and natural
increase [births minus deaths] have continued to rise, making Maricopa County this year's largest numeric gainer.»