Translate 
Abstract
Abstract What are the drivers for domestic migration and intra-urban mobility in a Sub-Sahara African context? This study analyses this aspect by looking at residential mobility decisions of Anglophone migrants in Douala. The paper presents factors that influenced migrants to move to, within and out of Douala, as well as what made them decide to stay. Based on a framework of drivers of migration (Black et al., 2011), these factors are analysed at macro-, meso- and micro-level. We argue that at the macro-level, it is mostly political, economic, socio-cultural and security-related factors that influence Anglophone migrants’ residential mobility decisions. At the meso-level, language and ethnicity, social networks and technological advances seemingly facilitate moving decisions, whereas at the micro-level, we argue that it is not only individual or household characteristics, but also events that influence the decision to move. Apart from individual preferences, life course events and external forces playing out at micro-level, these also relate to place attachment and migration aspirations.
Highlights
Douala’s population is estimated to be growing by 274 people on a daily basis (Calculation based on Ministère de la Santé Publique [Cameroon], 2016)
While part of that can be attributed to natural population growth, Douala’s status as Cameroon’s most important city economically attracts many people, mostly internal migrants coming from other districts in Cameroon
The findings presented here are primarily based on responses from 23 Anglophone migrants renting their accommodation in Douala
Summary
Douala’s population is estimated to be growing by 274 people on a daily basis (Calculation based on Ministère de la Santé Publique [Cameroon], 2016). According to the latest census data, half of the population in the city are (internal) migrants (BUCREP, 2005). Having left behind their home(s) elsewhere, migrants come to the city. This article focuses on residential mobility decisions of migrants as these might be different from those of more stable populations (Jia & Lei, 2019). It seeks to understand what makes individual migrants decide to move to the city and, once they are there, to stay, move within or leave again.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
