Promoting Multi-methods Research: Linking Anthropometric Methods to Migration Studies

Abstract

The experience of migration includes costs and benefits to migrants and sending communities. In the tradition of a “letters” type discussion, this paper presents a synthesis of recent work from a longitudinal study from Zambia, Africa that used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the experience and outcomes of migration among the Gwembe Tonga. In this ethnographic study, we argue that including anthropometric methods in migration studies enhances our ability to empirically assess impacts of mobility to better understand the experience of migration. In this particular African context we see, on average, a beneficial outcome for migrants’ nutritional status, and livelihoods.