Migration in West Africa: IMISCOE Regional Reader

This open access Regional Reader examines the dynamics and impacts of international migration within and from West Africa. The book presents key theoretical perspectives and empirical findings on historical trends, geographical patterns, drivers and socio-economic impacts of both voluntary and involuntary migration in West Africa, a region that is characterised by high level of mixed migration flows. The book is divided into three main parts: changing patterns and governance of migration, managing environmental and forced migration, and diaspora, transnationalism and development. The chapters raise key research questions and outline recommendations for improving migration governance, protecting migrants and harnessing the benefits of migration for socio-economic development for both countries of origin and destination of migrants. As such this Regional Reader provides an interesting read to students, academics, researchers, migration experts, development practitioners and policy makers.

Part 1. Changing Patterns and Governance of Migration -- 1. Migration in West Africa: An Introduction (Joseph Kofi Teye) -- 2. Free Movement and Regional Integration in the ECOWAS Sub-Region (Faisal Garba and Thomas Yeboah) -- 3. Faith and Agency in High Risk Irregular Migration from West Africa across the Sahara: Evidence from Senegal (Priya Deshingkar and Doudou Dièye Gueye) -- 4. Gendered Dynamics of Migration in West Africa (Nauja Kleist and Mary Setrana) -- Part 2. Managing Environmental and Forced Migration -- 5. Climate-induced Migration in West Africa (Joseph Kofi Teye) -- 6. "Hanging in the Air" : The Experiences of Liberian Refugees in Ghana (Heaven Crawley and Veronica Fynn Bruey) -- 7. Gaps in Protection for West African Migrants in Times of Crisis: The Role of a Multi-Stakeholder Platform within a Partnership in Preparedness Model (Leander Kandilige) -- 8. Vulnerability in Return and Reintegration of Forced Migrants in Nigeria (Amanda Bisong) -- Part 3. Diaspora, Transnationalism, and Development -- 9. International Migration, Diaspora Investments and Development: A Nigerian Critical Perspective (Olayinka Akanle) -- 10. International Remittances and Development in West Africa: The Case of Burkina Faso (Alexandra Tapsoba) -- 11. The Janus-Face of Contemporary Migration: Understanding the Geographies of Return Migration Intentions among West African Immigrants Abroad (Joseph Mensah).