Migration is fast becoming a key topic in development cooperation. International development efforts, especially in Europe, are increasingly directed towards addressing the ‘root causes of migration’ in an attempt to curb flows from Africa. In this context, a particular attention has been given to the relationship between food security and migration. However, an overly simplistic interpretation of this nexus – i.e. investing in agriculture and rural development will significantly reduce migration from rural areas – risks instrumentalising development cooperation for ‘securitarian’ purposes instead of pursuing genuine objectives for food and nutrition security (FNS) and rural development.