Contemporary Labor Migration in West and Central Africa: The Main Patterns, Drivers and Routes

Abstract

The majority of migrant flows in West and Central Africa are intra-regional and to neighboring countries. Migration intensities in the region seem to evolve, especially in comparison to other African regions. These migration patterns, including labor and other economically driven migration, are historically a part of the ‘way of life’ in the region. Furthermore, intra-regional migration can be considered a dominant livelihood strategy of households in the region. Demographic changes and urbanization are just two main factors that have been affecting (labor) migration in the region and will continue to do so. Despite the importance of these movements, relatively little is documented about labor migration in West and Central Africa. Therefore, this chapter focuses on the drivers, trends and routes of contemporary migration in the region for economic purposes. Bringing together existing evidence, the chapter highlights that, although different factors might influence migrants’ decision to move, migrants in West and Central Africa have been and continue to be in search of better (economic) opportunities. This holds for men, women as well as children and is associated with different risks for each of these groups. Migration of women and children is increasingly common in the West and Central African region. The main labor migration routes are, furthermore, mostly directed towards the relatively more developed coastal countries in the Southern part of the region, to neighboring countries, and often historically rooted. The chapter highlights gaps in the current understanding of intra-regional migration and provides recommendations regarding labor migration management.