Population Mobility in the Sahel

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Population mobility in the Sahel is crucial for livelihoods and economic security, driven by economic motives such as wage differences, as well as non-economic factors like marriage and education [2][6] - Insecurity and climate change have led to an increase in distressed migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) [2][3] - Adaptive Social Protection (ASP) programs need to be adjusted to support migrants and their families, ensuring they are not penalized [3][4] Summary by Sections Key Recommendations - Policy frameworks for social protection should reflect mobility-related considerations and improve access to basic services and information on safe migration practices [4][5] - Operational modifications to ASP programs should ensure that migrants do not miss out on benefits due to administrative blind spots [4] Introduction - Economic factors significantly influence population mobility in the Sahel, with many seeking better livelihoods due to poverty and unemployment [6][7] - Internal mobility can diversify income and enhance resilience against climate and conflict-related shocks [6] Describing Internal Mobility - Over 47 million individuals in the Sahel have previously resided elsewhere within their country, with internal migration patterns varying by country [8][10] - Economic motives are the primary driver of voluntary internal mobility, with 77% of surveyed migrants citing economic reasons [10] Patterns of Voluntary Internal Mobility - Migration predominantly occurs along an east-west axis towards labor-intensive work centers, with rural-to-rural migration being significant in several countries [13][14] - The willingness to migrate varies, with 20% in Mali to 41% in Senegal expressing a desire to move [13] Forced Migration - Violent conflict and climate change are increasing forced migration, with IDPs projected to rise from 3.4 million in 2022 to 4.2 million by 2025 [16] - Climate change exacerbates economic migration, intertwining voluntary and forced migration dynamics [16][17] Labor Market Profiles of Voluntary Internal Migrants - Unemployment is common among internal migrants in urban areas, with the tertiary sector being the most prevalent area of work [18][20] - Higher education correlates with higher wages in urban areas, although exceptions exist [20] Vulnerabilities Associated with Migration - Migrants face risks such as social isolation, lack of access to services, and exploitation during transit and at destinations [22][23] - Many migrants experience unemployment and underemployment, leading to economic precarity [23] Implications for Adaptive Social Protection Programs - ASP must be designed to support the needs of mobile populations, recognizing migration patterns and adjusting policies accordingly [24][28] - Program eligibility criteria should be reviewed to ensure internal migrants can benefit from ASP programs [29] Conclusion - Modifications to ASP programs should integrate mobility-related considerations to enhance support for migrants and maximize the benefits of population mobility in the Sahel [37]