Swiss-African Migration Network

• Henrietta Mambo Nyamnjoh -- Negotiating Bushfalling

  Pilgrims’ Progress: Negotiating bushfalling among Anglophone Cameroonian youth    

  Objective: Using the notion of bushfalling (migration as 'hunting' and bringing trophies to the families back home), this project explores the reasons and motivations of Cameroonian youth bushfalling. What new forms of push factors propel and sustain the notion of bushfalling? Methods: Qualitative ethnographic research methods in a multi-sited approach: in-depth interviews, life histories and non-participant observation of would-be migrants. Use of short films to get informants to tell their stories about motivations to migrate. Expected results: Identify the different pull factors that informs prospective migrants' destination, the role of migration syndicates in determining the destination, and the role Social Media regarding migration.

  Nyamnjoh, H. (2019) “When are you going to change those stones to phones”? Appropriation of social media by Pentecostal churches in Cape Town. Journal for the Study of the Religions of Africa and its Diaspora 5 (1): 5.1: 122-142

  Nyamnjoh, H. (2019). “Speak to me Lord”: Seeking God’s intervention in times of duress among Cameroonian migrants in Cape Town. In. Afe Adogame, Raimundo Barreto and Wanderley P. da Rosa (eds.) Migration and Public Discourse in World Christianity, Augburg Fortress Publishers / Editora Unida. P. 151-176.

  Nyamnjoh, Henrietta. 2021. ‘Ambitions of Bushfalling through Further Education: Insights from Students in Cameroonian Universities’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 196–206. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3718.

   

   

   

  

  Henrietta Mambo Nyamnjoh
  University of Cape Town
  Pilot (6 months)

   

• Simon Barussaud & Franck Dago -- Student Mobility

  Social network and student mobility from Côte d’Ivoire to France and Switzerland

  Objective: The objective of this study is to analyse the influence of social networks on Ivorian student mobility to Europe. We examine the influence of the social network on the decision making and the role of the network in the selection of the host countries. Methods: We conduct qualitative interviews with different student migrants at various stages of their migratory project. To capture the role of the social network in the migratory project, we also interview members their family and friend. Expected results: We will provide a better understanding on the different ways the Ivoirian students use their network to realize their project to study abroad. We will identify the main obstacles encountered and the individual and collective strategy adopted by the student to overcome them.  

  Dago N.F., Toh A. & Youl F. (2019). Emigration et champ social transnational à Grand Akoudzin (Côte d’Ivoire). Kasa Bya Kasa, Revue ivoirienne d’Anthropologie et de sociologie, n°28.

  Dago, Franck, and Simon Barussaud. 2021. ‘Push/Pull Factors, Networks and Student Migration from Côte d’Ivoire to France and Switzerland’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 308–16. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3698.

  Barussaud, Simon, and Frédéric Lapeyre. 2022. L’économie informelle en Afrique face à la crise de la COVID-19. Louvain-la-Neuve: Éditions Academia.

   

  

  Simon Barussaud
  University of Geneva
  Exchange (3 months)

  

  Franck Dago
  University Félix Houphouet-Boigny
  Pilot (3 months)

   

• Amanda Bisong -- Non-state Actors

  Understanding the role of Non- state Actors in West African Migration as tools for information dissemination and inclusive policy making

  Objective: In many European countries, governments have established structures for involving non-state actors in the migration policy dialogue (e.g., http://www.mdplatform.ch). This project maps the current interactions between State and non-state actors in migration policy making and implementation in West Africa (where their interaction with state actors is sketchy, ad-hoc and need based), with an emphasis on the role of non-state actors in information dissemination (especially towards potential migrants and returnees) and inclusion in the migration policy dialogue. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with identified state and non-state actors and focus groups (where possible). Interviews will be carried out in Europe and selected West African States. An online survey will be designed for stakeholders that cannot be interviewed. Expected results: Understanding what role non-state actors can play in information dissemination in the society at large, and with that contribute to changing the negative perception of state actors in West Africa on non-state actors, resulting in more inclusive migration governance in the region.

  Bisong, A. (2019). Trans-regional institutional cooperation as multilevel governance: ECOWAS migration policy and the EU. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 45(8), 1294–1309. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2018.1441607

  Bisong, Amanda. 2021. “Invented, Invited and Instrumentalised Spaces: Conceptualising Non-State Actor Engagement in Regional Migration Governance in West Africa.” Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 0(0):1–19. doi: 10.1080/1369183X.2021.1972570.

  

  Amanda Bisong
  University of Nigeria
  Exchange (2 months)

• Henrietta Mambo Nyamnjoh -- Bushfalling through the Prism of Further Education

  Ambitions of Bushfalling through the Prism of Further Education: Ethnographic Insights from Conversations with Students in Cameroonian Universities.

  Objective: Investigate how much parents are willing to pay or indebt themselves to pay migration agents – “lines” or “connections” – to facilitate the process of their children’s bushfalling to secure admission into universities in Europe. To what extent is education a springboard to migration? Are aspiring migrants simply willing and ready to go anywhere for the sake of migrating, or do they choose and maintain a well-considered path? Methods: Qualitative research methods, multi-sited research. Expected results: The project will provide an understanding of the workings between migration agents and prospective migrant that has potentially changed the course of migration from bush road to normal road. This exploratory research will unpack how migrants who choose to work without the assistance of a migration agent engage the process.

  Nyamnjoh, Henrietta. 2021. ‘Ambitions of Bushfalling through Further Education: Insights from Students in Cameroonian Universities’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 196–206. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3718.

  

  Henrietta Mambo Nyamnjoh
  University of Cape Town
  Pilot (5 months)

• Matthieu Bolay -- Artisanal Miners

  Disentangling the Mobilities of West-African Men on the Move: “Artisanal Miners” and “Migrants to Europe” in Bamako and Niamey

  Objective: Describe two intertwined mobility dynamics that are often approached by two different strands of research and conceptual frameworks though, in practice, they often mix and overlap in the trajectories of African men on the move: mobile artisanal gold mining and migration to Europe. Methods: Use of problem-centred interviews on the im-mobility trajectory of artisanal gold miners and/or prospective migrants to Europe and/or “returnees” from Europe (and its external borders’ countries). Expected results: Insights on the decision to move to Europe and how it is often made “en route” during pre-migration phases of mobility. Understanding how artisanal mining can be a means to finance further mobility to Europe.

  Bolay, Matthieu. 2021. ‘Disentangling Mining and Migratory Routes in West Africa: Decisions to Move in Migranticised Settings’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 235–46. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3715.

  Matthieu Bolay
  Graduate Institute Geneva
  Pilot (6 months)

• Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu Kyei -- Ghanaian Students

  Prospective and Returned Ghanaian Migrant Students in the Euro-Afro Migration Experience

  Objective: Investigate to what extent student migration is not really for the acquisition of knowledge but stepping stone towards permanent residency in countries with higher standard of living. Methods:  The qualitative research will be carried out purposively in the five main public universities in Ghana. Expected results: Contribute to the understanding of student migration from Sub Saharan Africa to Europe. Reveal the diversified life projects in terms of motivations and aspirations of prospective and returned Ghanaian student migrants to Europe, including transnational experiences.

  Kyei, Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu, Elizabeth Nana Mbrah Koomson-Yalley, and Peter Dwumah. 2020. ‘Transnational Political Practices and Integration of Second Generation Migrants’. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, September.

  Kyei, J. R. K. O., Smoczynski, R. and Amoah O. R. 2019. Religious social capital in the political integration of second generation migrants. Journal of Identity and Migration Studies.

  Kyei, J. R. K. O., & Smoczynski, R. (2019). Religious citizenship and gendered sanctions in the lived experience of second generation Ghanaians. Social Compass, 66(4), 505-521.. DOI: 10.1177/0037768619868419.

  Kyei, Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu. 2021. ‘“I Have to Further My Studies Abroad”: Student Migration in Ghana’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 299–307. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3690.

  

  Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu Kyei
  Kwame Nkrumah University, Ghana
  Pilot (3 months)

• Lawan Cheri -- Country Choice

  Assessing Choice of Destination and Challenges of South-South Migration among Forced Migrants in Northeastern Nigeria.

  Objective: Assess factors that determine choice of destination among forced migrants in northeastern Nigeria, and examine the challenges faced by migrants on transit. Methods:  Qualitative research methods, in-depth interviews with migrants and migration officials in Nigeria and neighboring Niger republic. Expected results: Reveal the factors that determine migrants' choice of destination especially considering the fact that most Boko Haram induced migrants do not migrate to the global North but stays in Africa. Present the challenges faced by migrants en-route their destinations of choice.

  Cheri, L. & Khan, A. (2019). Nigeria’s Regional Ambitions: Channels and Challenges. Published online by the Journal of Liberty and International Affairs. Vol. 5 No. 1. elSSN 1857-9760.

  Cheri, Lawan. 2021. ‘Perceived Impact of Border Closure Due to Covid-19 of Intending Nigerian Migrants’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 207–15. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3671.

  

  Lawan Cheri
  University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
  Pilot (6 months)

• Chioma Joyce Onukogu -- Aspirations Second Generation

  Migration Aspirations of the Second-Generation Immigrants in South Africa

  Objective: Find out why second-generation immigrants in South Africa want to leave the country to more developed countries of Europe and America. Find out the reason for not choosing to return to their 'home' countries instead. Methods: In-depth interviews with second-generation immigrants of different nationalities, age range between 10 and 18 years (with consent by parents and children). Thematic data analysis. Expected results: Research will reveal the migration aspirations of second-generation immigrants. Reasons for their preference for certain countries will be unveiled. It will also unfold the relationship between the decision to migrate and the host’s social, economic, educational and political environments the migrants find themselves.

  

  Chioma Joyce Onukogu
  University of the Witwatersand
  Exchange (5 months)

• Christopher Changwe Nshimbi -- Border Perceptions

  What You See Is What You Get: Perceptions of European Borders and the Drive to Migrate

  Objective: Investigate the perceptions of (prospective) African migrants of the permeability of European borders and how this contributes to the decision to migrate. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with key informants will be held, based on the snowball sampling method. Interviews will be conducted in selected countries of the Horn of Africa. Expected results: Understanding of the role of people's perceptions and attitudes of European borders play in decisions to migrate. Clearer understanding why irregular migration towards Europe seems unmanageable.

  Nshimbi, C. C. (2020). The human side of regions: Informal cross-border traders in the zambia–malawi–mozambique growth triangle and prospects for integrating southern africa. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 35(1), 75–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/08865655.2017.1390689

  Moyo, I., & Nshimbi, C. C. (2020). Of borders and fortresses: Attitudes towards immigrants from the sadc region in south africa as a critical factor in the integration of southern africa. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 35(1), 131–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/08865655.2017.1402198

  Moyo, I., & Nshimbi, C. C. (2019). Border practices at beitbridge border and johannesburg inner city: Implications for the sadc regional integration project. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 54(3), 309–330. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021909618822123

  Nshimbi, Christopher Changwe. 2021. ‘Rational Actors, Passive and Helpless Victims, Neither, Both: EU Borders and the Drive to Migrate in the Horn of Africa’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 257–67. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3729.

  

  Christopher Changwe Nshimbi
  University of Pretoria
  Pilot (6 months)

• Anouk Jasmine Albien -- Students' Ambitions

  Migrant Aspirations of Stellenbosch University Students

  Objective: Assess whether there are differences in work and career orientations that are associated with mobility aspirations and motivations. Methods: Survey with undergraduate and postgraduate students at Stellenbosch University. Focus groups. Expected results: New insights on drivers of student mobility and barriers that limit student mobility cover diverse dimensions such as family, financial, psychological as well as social. Actual mobility only reaches a minority of higher education students despite sponsored mobility programs.

  Albien, A. J., Kidd, M., Naidoo, A. V., & Maree, J. G. (2020). Mixed-methods analysis of the applicability of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale for isiXhosa-speaking South African township adolescents. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 20(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-019-09391-6

  Katsarov, Johannes; Albien, Anouk Jasmine; Ferrari, Lea (2020). Developing a Moral Sensitivity Measure for Career Guidance and Counselling. Journal for Perspectives of Economic Political and Social Integration, 25(1):45-65.

  Albien, Anouk J., and Ngoako J. Mashatola. 2021. ‘A Systematic Review and Conceptual Model of International Student Mobility Decision-Making’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 288–98. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3769.

  Albien, A. J., and T. A. Beppo. 2022. “Career Development during COVID: Increased Migration Aspirations of South African University Students.” Journal of the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling 48 (1): 24–30. https://doi.org/10.20856/jnicec.4804.

  

  Anouk Jasmine Albien
  University of Bern
  Exchange (7 months)

• Mary Setrana -- Uncertainty, Information, and Decisions

  'Uncertainties', 'exceptions'  and 'information links' of youth migration within and from ECOWAS region to Europe

  Objective: Examine the information link between potential migrants and diaspora; assess the extent to which information flows can be moderated by agencies at the local level. Investigate how potential migrants receive new information and the extent to which such information affect migration outcomes. Methods: Mixed-methods design with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions and a quantitative survey of potential and migrant youth in Ghana. Expected results: Agencies at the local level moderate information flows and therefore influence migration decisions.

  Awumbila, M., Deshingkar, P., Kandilige, L., Teye, J. K., & Setrana, M. (2019). Please, thank you and sorry – brokering migration and constructing identities for domestic work in Ghana. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 45(14), 2655–2671. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2018.1528097

  Kleist, N., & Setrana, M. (2019). Should i stay or should I go? ’ Exploring return migration and reintegration processes in Ghana. http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh/handle/123456789/29040

  Setrana, Mary. 2021. ‘Choosing to Stay: Alternate Migration Decisions of Ghanaian Youth’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 247–56. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3691.

  

  Mary Setrana
  University of Ghana
  Pilot (3 months)

• Kadoukpè Gildas Magbonde -- Decide Preferred Destination of Students

  Understanding the key driving forces of the intention to migrate to a preferred destination of students from Sub-Saharan African Countries : A case study of Benin

  Abstract: Unveil the drivers of the revealed intention to migrate of Beninese students to a preferred destination instead of others. Methods: We consider three preferred destinations: in region, western countries (Europe and North-America) and China, using a survey among university students and multinomial models. Expected results: A better understanding of the probability that a potential student migrate to Western countries instead of regional countries, to China instead of regional countries and to western countries instead of China.

  Magbondé, Gildas Kadoukpè. 2021. ‘How Sub-Saharan African Countries Students Choose Where to Study Abroad: The Case of Benin’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 278–87. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3647.

  

  Kadoukpè Gildas Magbonde
  University of Gaston Berger
  Pilot (5 months)

• Precious Oghale Diagboya -- Trust and Misinformation in Decisions to Migrate

  The role of trust and misinformation in decisions to migrate to Europe

  Objective: Analyze the role of information provided by travel agencies, smugglers, friends and family members perceived to have travel knowledge in the decision to migrate to Europe. Methods: Qualitative interviews with youths who are would-be migrants and returnees from Europe in order to know who they trust could give reliable information about migration to Europe. Key informant interviews with travel agents, smugglers, friends and family members with travel knowledge on (mis)information and how this affects the choice of destination and proposed occupation of would-be migrants. Expected results: A better understanding of how information and trust in intermediaries shapes the decision to migrate, especially that ignorance and blind trust may interact.

  

  Precious Oghale Diagboya
  University of Ibadan
  Pilot (6 months)

• Elizabeth Nana Mbrah Koomson -- Sources and Access to Informed Destinations

  Improving Sources and Access to Informed Decisions: Ghanaian Youth Migration to Europe through North Africa

  Objective: Investigate how sources and access to information affect decisions of Ghanaian youth to migrate to destinations in Europe through North Africa. Methods: Qualitative methods of interviewing, narratives, personal stories, and observations to gather data for thematic analysis of Ghanaian youth migration to Europe en route North Africa. Expected results: A better understanding on access to information by interviewing potential migrants, returnees, and deportees.

  Kyei, Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu, Elizabeth Nana Mbrah Koomson-Yalley, and Peter Dwumah. 2020. ‘Transnational Political Practices and Integration of Second Generation Migrants’. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies.

  Koomson-Yalley, Elizabeth. 2021. ‘Information Sharing and Decision-Making: Attempts by Ghanaian Return Migrants to Enter through Libya’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 226–34. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3706.

  

  Elizabeth Nana Mbrah Koomson
  Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  Pilot (3 months)

• Amanda Bisong -- Regional Migration Policies and Migration Aspirations

  Making or breaking migrants: the role of regional migration policies in migration decision making and aspirations

  Objective: Understand how regional migration policies contribute to shaping migration aspirations and how these influence the decisions made by (potential) migrants in determining their migration trajectory. Methods: A pilot study in Gambia and Cape Verde on migration aspirations and migration decision making. Focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews with identified groups of young persons in Gambia and Cape Verde. Expected Results: Better understandin how the migrant (micro-level) and the state (macro-level) interact to shape migration decisions and aspirations.

  

  Amanda Bisong
  University of Nigeria
  Pilot (6 months)

• Chioma Joyce Onukogu -- Aspirations to Migrate and Family Resources

  Aspirations and Capabilities to Migrate: The Role of Family Resources in Achieving Second- Generation Immigrants' Migration Aspirations in Johannesburg.

  Objective: Find out the factors that influence parents’ decision to support or not to support their child’s migration goals. Methods: Qualitative study, interviewing families in Johannesburg. Expected results: Better understanding how demographics, migration history and experience shape parents’ attitude to children’s migration aspiration.

  

  Chioma Joyce Onukogu
  University of the Witwatersrand
  Pilot (6 months)

• Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu Kyei -- Return Intentions of Ghanaian Students in Europe

  Fulfilling or Shattering Dreams of Ghanaian Student Migrants in the Netherlands

  Objective: Investigate the motivation for Ghanaian students to stay behind in Europe even after completing their academic formation. Methods: Semi structured in depth interviews to collect data from both the enrolled students and ‘stayed behind’ student migrants. Expected results: A better understanding of return intentions and decisions of international students.

  Kyei, Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu. 2021. ‘“I Have to Further My Studies Abroad”: Student Migration in Ghana’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 299–307. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3690.

  

  Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu Kyei
  Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  Pilot (3 months)

• Elizabeth Nana Mbrah Koomson -- Covid-19 and Informed Destinations

  COVID-19 Pandemic: Migration decisions of returned migrants in Ghana

  This study will interrogate returned migrants decisions to migrate to Libya with the global outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. It will explore any differences in decisions that may be linked to livelihood options of returned migrants with the global outbreak of the COVID-19. This study examines informal information-seeking practices and returned migrants’ decisions, using interviews via telephone. This phenomenological research will explore returned migrants’ everyday experiences on migration decisions and conceptualize their awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  Koomson-Yalley, Elizabeth. 2021. ‘Information Sharing and Decision-Making: Attempts by Ghanaian Return Migrants to Enter through Libya’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 226–34. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3706.

  

  Elizabeth Nana Mbrah Koomson
  Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  Pilot (6 months)

• Mary Setrana -- Covid-19: Migration Virus

  “How can a migration virus kill me when I don’t have a visa?’: Going back on migration decisions to Europe.

  How does Ghana’s initial reported COVID-19 cases influence migration decisions among the youth? Many West African countries recorded their first cases of COVID-19 through nationals and non-nationals who had migrated into the country from Europe. The perception of recent COVID-19 cases as a ‘migration disease’ may have ripple effect on migration decisions.  Using content analysis of online news reports, social media and telephone interviews, this study unravels the relationship between COVID-19 and migration decisions among Ghanaian youth.

  Setrana, Mary. 2021. ‘Choosing to Stay: Alternate Migration Decisions of Ghanaian Youth’. Social Inclusion 9 (1): 247–56. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v9i1.3691.

   

  

   

  Mary Setrana
  University of Ghana
  Pilot (6 months)

• Survey on Migration Decisions

  Several members of the S-SAM network collaborated on a joint survey on migration decisions and health under uncertainty.

  • Stephen Ndula Mbieke, University of Udine
  • Olufemi Adetutu, Obafemi Awolowo University
  • Mary Boatemaa Setrana, University of Ghana
  • Langelilhe Mlotshwa, University of the Witwatersrand
  • Karim Nchare, African School of Economics
  • Kadoukpè Gildas Magbonde, Université Gaston Berger
  • Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu Kyei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  • John Maara, University of Nairobi
  • Ibrahim Nurudeen, Shehu Shagari College of Education
  • Chioma Joyce Onukogu, University of the Witwatersrand
  • Henrietta Mambo Nyamnjoh, University of Capetown
  • Precious Oghale Diagboya, University of Ibadan
  • Elizabeth Nana Mbrah Koomson, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

  The codebook is available on OSF: https://osf.io/tbjnr/

• Les enfants et les jeunes sur les routes migratoires en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Nord (EJM)

  

  Le but principal de l’étude consistera à documenter et comprendre comment les systèmes autour des enfants et des jeunes en mobilité évoluent, afin de mieux prendre en compte leurs besoins et aspirations pour améliorer leur chance de mener une vie digne et acquérir une autonomie en tant qu’adultes. Concrètement, nous chercherons dans un premier temps à vérifier comment le projet EJM de Helvetas permet d’atteindre les jeunes en mobilité, d’identifier leurs besoins et d’y répondre pour s’intéresser par la suite à la diffusion des actions prioritaires en direction de l’ensemble des jeunes dans un contexte donné.

  Plus d'information

  Janvier 2023 – décembre 2024, financé par Helvetas