Migrating out of Poverty? Evidence from Informal Settlements in Accra, Ghana
Date
2013Author
Awumbila, Mariama
Owusu, George
Teye, Joseph
Anamzoya, Alhassan
Sward, Jon
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Abstract
Despite negative policy stances toward rural-urban migration and urban slums in Ghana, recent research carried out by a research team at the Centre for
Migration Studies, University of Ghana, shows that slums are sites of vibrant economic activity, providing opportunities for migrants not available in their
communities of origin. Indeed, the vast majority of internal and regional migrants (88 per cent) felt their overall household wellbeing had improved as a
result of their migration, and many were able to contribute to the livelihoods of families and kin in areas of origin, with over three-quarters of migrants sending
remittances. However, migrant livelihoods were threatened by unsafe living conditions in slums and a lack of basic services. The research therefore calls for
four policy recommendations: upgrading informal settlements; support for informal sector workers; facilitating remittances and savings; and including
vulnerable migrants in social protection schemes.
Citation
Awumbila, M.; Owusu, G.; Teye, J.; Anamzoya, A. and Sward, J. (2013) Migrating out of Poverty? Evidence from Informal Settlements in Accra, Ghana, Migrating out of Poverty Regional Policy Brief 1More details
http://www.migratingoutofpoverty.org/files/file.php?name=cms-rp003-policy-brief-dec13.pdf&site=354Rights holder
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DFIDMigrating out of Poverty