IOM Hosts “Essentials of Migration Data” Training to Strengthen Agriculture Sector through Improved Migration Governance

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), successfully hosted the Essentials of Migration Data (EMD) Training on 29–30 July 2025 at the Prevo Cinemall, Roseau. The two-day workshop aimed to build the capacity of government officials, private sector partners and CSOs to collect, analyze, and utilize migration data to strengthen the agricultural sector and enhance national food security.

The training forms part of the wider project, Development of the Agricultural Sector in Dominica by Strengthening Migration Governance, which recognizes the importance of migrant labour in supporting agricultural productivity. By equipping participants with tools to improve migration data management, the initiative seeks to ensure timely and evidence-based decision-making that benefits migrants, their families, and the wider Dominican society.

Developed by IOM’s Global Data Institute through its Global Migration and Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC), the EMD curriculum covered six core topics: The relevance and use of migration data, Key concepts and their measurement, Migration data sources, Sub-types of migration, Data management and sharing and Data analysis and dissemination.

Participants collaborated on developing a preliminary framework for migration data indicators relevant to Dominica’s agricultural sector. The program included interactive presentations, group exercises, and a practical “workshop” segment tailored to Dominica’s migration trends.

IOM Facilitator Vynliz Dailey said, " With better understanding of migration data, Dominica can shape policies that place farmers, migrants, and rural communities at the heart of agricultural development - ensuring that movement of people becomes a pathway to resilience and opportunity - not just for Dominica but for the region”. Michael Victor, Northern Divisional Supervisor at the Dominica Air & Sea Port Authority (DASPA), described the workshop as “mind opening” and timely:

“I never regarded data in that view, so I got a different perspective and can now appreciate data collection. It is critical for us, even at the port, that we track who leaves and who arrives.”

Kevin Gordon, Cooperative Officer in the Division of Cooperatives, highlighted the practical relevance:

“It was very informative. I can now take into consideration migration aspects when conducting surveys in cooperative societies.” Through the EMD training, Dominican stakeholders are now better equipped to identify migration data gaps, apply international statistical standards, and foster inter-agency cooperation. The training also aligns with global frameworks such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasize the importance of accurate, timely, and disaggregated migration data in policymaking.