Internal Migration and Poverty Reduction in Ghana

Abstract

This study utilizes primary data from seven (7 out of the 10) regions to assess the impact of internal migration on poverty reduction in Ghana. Internal migration is interpreted in this study as short-term coping strategies that help migrants and their dependants to achieve a basic level of consumption. The analysis show that there is a positive relationship between internal migration and poverty reduction because of the opportunities they provide in areas of short-term and flexible labour force. The study therefore recommends for policy makers to take a critical look at the phenomenon of internal migration in order to institute policies that lessen the burdens of internal migrants. There is also the need to explore avenues for enhancing the resource capabilities of current migrants and their beneficiaries as a potential strategy to diversify their remunerative options in the long term.

Keywords: Migration, Poverty reduction, Economic Development