Youth Perspectives from Rapidly Changing Landscapes: Lessons from Peru

Abstract

"Drawing on insights from a three-day workshop held with local youth, as well as our extensive lived and professional experiences, we describe patterns of youth migration in Madre de Dios, the motivations for youth to migrate or to stay in their communities, and the implications for rural areas. A lack of access to further education and limited income opportunities encourage youth to leave for urban centres. Although most youngsters talk about returning to live in their home communities, we argue that emergent rural-urban linkages may consolidate migrant-village ties but make it unlikely that such youth will make the forest their principal home over the long-term."