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Household Migration Decisions as Survival Strategy: The Case of Burkina Faso

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  • Konseiga, Adama

Abstract

The paper examines the basic determinants behind the process of migration from Burkina Faso to Cote d’Ivoire. It uses a detailed household survey dataset on migration, natural resource management, risk management and solidarity collected in 2000 and 2002 in Northeastern Burkina Faso. In addition, two other village and institutional level surveys were conducted. The methodology emphasizes the link between economic theories and empirical evidence, using econometric tools that are robust to the selection bias. This enables to investigate the specificities of the seasonal migration and to estimate migration incomes. The structural model of migration decision revealed the importance of migration as a mere survival strategy in the study regions. Results showed that even under the pessimistic scenario where the direct benefits of the regional integration program would go exclusively to the leading economy, households in the Sahel may benefit from an increased economic attractiveness of this destination. Owing to the fact that the migration is seasonal, the increased migration will translate into higher liquidity that enables households to overcome credit and insurance market failures and invest in their main agro pastoral activities. Additionally, the role of the unsecured livestock activity acts as an impediment to migration of the pastoralist groups. The study recommended the development of policies that address security issues through well-functioning rural labor market institutions and enforceable rules regarding shepherd contracts. It is also important to enforce regional laws regarding the free movement of labor.

Suggested Citation

  • Konseiga, Adama, 2006. "Household Migration Decisions as Survival Strategy: The Case of Burkina Faso," Discussion Papers 276269, University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ubzefd:276269
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.276269
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    Cited by:

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    2. Yonas Alem & Mathilde Maurel & Katrin Millock, 2016. "Migration as an Adaptation Strategy to Weather Variability: An Instrumental Variables Probit Analysis," Working Papers hal-01955941, HAL.
    3. Giesbert, Lena, 2007. "Seeking Opportunities: Migration as an Income Diversification Strategy of Households in Kakamega District in Kenya," GIGA Working Papers 58, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    4. A. Gentili, 2013. "Migration Costs and Networks: household optimal investment in migration," Working Papers wp867, Dipartimento Scienze Economiche, Universita' di Bologna.
    5. Charles Quansah & Ronald Osei Mensah & Isaac Yeboah, 2022. "Coping and Adaptation Strategies by Small-Scale Farmers in the Pru district of Ghana: Legal Orders Imposed by State and Non-State Actors," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 31(1), pages 311-335, May.
    6. Elisabeth Hyo-Chung Chung & Charlotte Guénard, 2012. "Mobilités, vulnérabilité et capital social: une analyse en milieu rural sénégalais," Working Papers DT/2012/16, DIAL (Développement, Institutions et Mondialisation).
    7. Finagnon Antoine Dedewanou & Rolande C. B. Kpekou Tossou, 2022. "Remittances and agricultural productivity in Burkina Faso," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 44(3), pages 1573-1590, September.

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