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Migration plays a significant role in Ghanaian society, particularly in rural areas where its impact is inextricably linked to socio-economic dynamics. In March 2023, a student field research field research project was conducted in Amedzofe as part of the international research project “Migration and Translocality in West Africa”, shedding light on various aspects of rural life through the lens of translocality. The field research aimed to address a wide range of topics related to rural livelihoods, focusing on migration and translocal aspects of everyday life. Six working groups embarked on a 10-day field research journey, employing mixed methods encompassing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. This extensive fieldwork followed a semester of intensive preparation, ensuring the thoroughness and depth of the study.
The survey results were meticulously analysed and presented, providing valuable insights into the patterns, drivers and impacts of migration in the region. Additionally, the findings of the six working groups offered nuanced perspectives on various facets of rural life, including economic activities, social networks, cultural practices, education and gender aspects.
This endeavour aims at fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding migration and translocality in rural Ghana. It is a testament to the dedication and vision of the late Prof. Dr. Malte Steinbrink, whose leadership and guidance were instrumental in the preparation and realisation of this study.
Climate change as a driver of migration? A comparative case study in eastern and northern Ghana
(2024)
Academic studies and media reports have pointed to climate change as a dominant factor responsible for future mass migrations from and within the Global South. In response to the deterministic nature of their estimates and predictions, this research explores the link that migrants establish between the environmental changes they experience and migration as a climate adaptation strategy. Furthermore, the overlaps between the profile and migratory behavior of those who manifest a greater presence of climate change in their migratory processes and their counterparts are analysed to identify potential unique climate migration patterns and practices. The quantitative analysis of data gathered in the context of the Mitra|WA project in Ghana's Eastern and Northern Regions in 2022 reveals that, while migration is not predominantly propelled by climate change climate, it does not constitute a new form of mobility demarcated from existing migration patterns and practices. This paper provides an opportunity to redirect future research towards the factors that determine the agency of individuals in response to climate hazards and to explore the role of climate change in a set of drivers of migration in a West African setting.