Rural-urban migration in Sierra Leone: determinants and policy implications
Byerlee, D.; Tommy, J.L.; Fatoo, H.
African Rural Economy Paper, Department of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University 13: 113
1976
Document Number: 497401
The initial results are given of findings from a comprehensive study of migration in Sierra Leone. First a theoretical schema of the decision to migrate is briefly presented and discussed, followed by a description of the integrated methodology employed and some preliminary analysis of the representativeness of the sample. The survey results are then discussed. The characteristics of migrants and the magnitude and direction of migration flows are described, followed by an analysis of the migration process with emphasis on migration decision making and intra-urban and rural-urban income transfers associated with migration. Finally the urban labour market in which the migrant participates is analyzed, with emphasis on the structure of urban earnings and unemployment. The remaining sections of the report integrate the findings from the descriptive analysis to estimate econometrically the determinants of the rate of migration. This is then used as a basis for a discussion of policy implications. It was found that the young and educated predominate in rural-urban migration, education playing a major role in migration behaviour. Wage differentials are important in determining migration, effects depending on level of education. Wage and income policies are thus of prime importance. Food prices are the strongest weapon for changing the rural-urban income balance. Policies affecting education investment in rural areas are also relevant; as are those involving social amenities, urban living costs and information flows, and controlling migration.
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