Migration and Socio-Economic Change in Africa

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 31, Heft 2, S. 207-225

Abstract

Three distinct phases of migration are identified: the precolonial, colonial, & postcolonial periods. These are linked to stages of political & economic development in the region. Cyclical migration is a major feature of the African migratory scene & is designed to meet differing peaks of labor demands in various parts of the continent. Such migration reflects the characteristics of the migrants in terms of skill, education, marital status, & age/sex composition as well as the diversity of ecological features, varying local resources & opportunities, etc, in the region. The effects of outmigration from Ru areas on Ru transformation & the impact of inmigration & return migration to Ru areas on agrarian & SE change are discussed. The range of SE measures which affect & are influenced by migration are outlined; broad areas of research are also identified. A special case is made for country-specific studies, the scale of analysis varying from one subregion to another. Modified AA.