Rural-urban migration in Africa : theory, policy, and research implications

We do this in three stages. First, the large body of theoretical and empirical knowledge of the rural-urban migration process in Africa is briefly reviewed emphasizing those characteristics which are most important in Africa and the deficiencies in our present understanding of rural-urban migration. Second, this knowledge is synthesized into a theoretical framework for analyzing rural-urban migration with emphasis on economic variables. This framework is then used to explore some of the policy implications of present day rural-urban migration for economic development in Africa. Finally, priority areas for future migration research are discussed with particular reference to improved theory, improved methodology and the integration of migration research and policy analysis.