(...) While Western economists and politicians discuss whether more or less migration benefits their countries, the other side of the medal, namely the impact of massive labour outflows on sending communities, is seldom devoted much attention (...). Every migrant that leaves an African country for another or for a destination off the continent takes valuable labour and economic potential away from
the sending community. This questions in how far vulnerable states will invest in education and youth employment when they see the return on their investments wander to new shores. Moreover, traditional ways of life are questioned when a great part of the young population departs and leaves the less mobile to care for themselves.
Failing and failed states are today to a great extent kept alive by remittances from migrants abroad. On the one hand, this might be the only way that people who stayed can survive in a war-torn economy but on the other hand it might also ease the population’s deception with dictatorships and incapable political leaders and therefore impede necessary social uproar. (...).
Many of these specifics impacts of the African migration flows on the sendingn communities will be illuminated in the following (...). Various theoretical approaches will be compared to outline the inherently different approximations towards migration by neoclassical economics compared with the critical dependency theory to find feasible policy recommendations (...)
This paper follows the assumption that migration has overall positive effects and benefits for developed countries as well as some developing economies. The crucial point is nonetheless the fact that these benefits are not equally allocated. Positive effects on areas of limited statehood have to be questioned to a great extent as functioning institutions are lacking which inhibit diaspora investments in national development (...)
Policy recommendations should not be focused on impeding migrants to work or educate themselves abroad but should concentrate on easing the return of citizens to support the development of the sending communities e.g. through easer passage within African regions. Moreover, foreign aid has to be channelled in a way that it benefits institution building , creates investment opportunities, promotes return migration and generates employment possibilities to lower migration push factors.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Characteristics of Migration in and from Sub-Saharan Africa
- Areas of Limited Statehood and Migration
- Theoretical Approaches Towards Limited Statehood
- Migration Theory and Reasons for Migration
- Areas of Limited Statehood as Sending Communities
- Brain Drain – The Problem of the Knowledge Exodus
- Remittances as a Primary Revenue Source
- Involuntary Migration and Human Trafficking
- Changes in the Social Structure and the Problem of Return Migration
- Areas of Limited Statehood as Receiving Communities
- Migration to or Within Areas of Limited Statehood
- The Problem of Refugees
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This seminar paper examines the impact of migration on areas of limited statehood in Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to analyze the complexities of migration flows within and out of these regions, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by these movements. The paper draws upon various theoretical perspectives to understand the interplay of limited statehood, migration patterns, and socioeconomic development in the region.
- The impact of migration on the social and economic development of areas of limited statehood in Sub-Saharan Africa
- The consequences of "brain drain" and the loss of skilled labor for sending communities
- The role of remittances in supporting fragile states and their economies
- The challenges of managing refugee flows and addressing the needs of displaced populations
- The need for effective policy approaches to address the complexities of migration in areas of limited statehood
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter establishes the context for the paper, highlighting the growing significance of migration from Africa to OECD countries and the often overlooked impact of these flows on sending communities, particularly those within areas of limited statehood. It emphasizes the need to consider both the potential benefits and risks associated with large-scale migration for these regions.
- Characteristics of Migration in and from Sub-Saharan Africa: This chapter provides an overview of the diverse migration patterns within and out of Sub-Saharan Africa, noting the prevalence of internal migration within national borders and the relative importance of international migration to Anglophone destinations. It also underscores the lack of reliable data on migration flows, which poses a significant challenge for research in this field.
- Areas of Limited Statehood and Migration: Theoretical Approaches Towards Limited Statehood: This section delves into the theoretical frameworks used to understand the concept of limited statehood, exploring how these concepts shape the analysis of migration within these contexts.
- Areas of Limited Statehood as Sending Communities: Brain Drain – The Problem of the Knowledge Exodus: This chapter examines the potential for "brain drain" in areas of limited statehood, highlighting the consequences of losing skilled and educated individuals to other regions. It raises concerns about the impact of this exodus on human capital development and the ability of these communities to invest in their future.
- Areas of Limited Statehood as Sending Communities: Remittances as a Primary Revenue Source: This section explores the role of remittances sent by migrants as a crucial source of income for many areas of limited statehood. It analyzes the potential benefits and limitations of this economic lifeline, considering its impact on local economies and social structures.
- Areas of Limited Statehood as Sending Communities: Involuntary Migration and Human Trafficking: This chapter examines the prevalence of involuntary migration, including forced displacement and human trafficking, as a significant challenge for areas of limited statehood. It explores the causes and consequences of these forms of migration, emphasizing the need for effective measures to address them.
- Areas of Limited Statehood as Receiving Communities: Migration to or Within Areas of Limited Statehood: This section examines the complexities of migration within and into areas of limited statehood, exploring both the potential benefits and challenges associated with these movements. It considers the impact of migration on resource scarcity, social tensions, and the provision of services in these regions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this paper include migration, areas of limited statehood, Sub-Saharan Africa, brain drain, remittances, human trafficking, refugees, policy approaches, development, and theoretical perspectives.
- Quote paper
- Janine Schildt (Author), 2008, The Impact of Migration on Areas of Limited Statehood in Sub-Sahara Africa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/159978
