The MATILDE Matrix (data collection framework)

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The MATILDE Matrix is a mixed method data collection framework to comprehensively assess the impact of third country nationals (TCNs) on rural and mountain areas. It provides guidance for multilevel (EU-aggregate, national, regional and local level) and multidimensional (social, economic and territorial) impact assessments of migration.

The MATILDE Matrix combines migration-specific indicators with indicators on economic growth, employment, access to services and indicators that consider the urban/rural and mountain linkages and the transformations brought about in rural/mountain regions as a result of the migration processes. It does not cover irregular migration.

The Matrix is organised around dimensions and sub-dimensions, which are clearly defined and examined through targeted indicators (around 70 indicators).

The data sources for the Matrix are:

Qualitative data/information will also be collected through qualitative techniques.

The MATILDE Matrix structure consists of:

  • an overview of data sources on different scales based on a screening conducted in advance;
  • indicators for impact assessment and the rationale behind their identification;
  • data related issues (availability of data, comparability across countries and regions, availability of time series, lack of data and possible solutions, etc.);
  • limitations and challenges of the set of indicators identified.

Once the data collection is concluded, individual indicators are revised and potentially compiled into composite indicator(s) to provide a synthetic overview that summarises complex and multidimensional impacts resulting from migration processes to rural and mountain regions.

MATILDE database
MATILDE Matrix, including its indicators
Presentation at the Good Practice Workshop of the Evaluation Helpdesk
Relevance for monitoring and evaluation of the CAP

The MATILDE matrix is used in the context of this project for the assessment of territorial, economic and social impacts of migration in the case study regions. Its data and indicators can be used by the participant countries for the evaluation of impacts of CAP interventions related to social inclusion and local development. As it is a data collection framework, it can be expanded with more data and indicators to cover more regions/countries.

The multidimensional (social, economic and territorial) approach used to analyse impacts can be very useful for thematic CAP evaluations in the area of social inclusion, territorial cohesion or quality of life. In addition, it offers a valuable methodological approach for data collection relevant for balanced territorial development, based on quantitative sources at multiple levels (local, regional, national, EU and international) and qualitative sources using participatory approaches. For example, the territorial dimension of the MATILDE Matrix is very relevant for LEADER evaluations, which can use the quantitative and qualitative data to assess rural poverty and, in particular, focus on migrants as a specific social group. Although LEADER evaluations do not currently focus on migrants, the evolution of migrant flows into Europe implies that this issue may acquire more importance in the future.

MATILDE is looking at rural remote mountainous regions and why they receive an important flow of immigrants.

Last modification date: 
09/12/2021