Gender Dimensions of Drought and Pastoral Mobility among the Maasai
Backgrounder

To mitigate the impact of drought, the Maasai engage in seasonal migration for pasture and water. However, not everyone is involved in seasonal migration; women and children are left behind. This paper sheds light on the gender dimensions of Maasai survival.

Challenges of Resettling the Displaced in Kenya
Policy Brief

In the last 20 years, violence has plagued Kenya during elections, displacing thousands. In December 2007, over 600,000 people were forced out of their homes because of election violence. The government of Kenya has prioritized the resettlement of displaced people but there are many challenges, especially regarding relief and justice. This brief highlights the Kenyan government’s efforts and discusses policy options on settling internally displaced people.

Is an Effective Migration Policy Possible in South Africa?
Article

South Africa faces three challenges with respect to its migration policy. The first is to attract skilled immigrants to alleviate skills shortages that hamper economic growth and national development. The second is to manage high levels of irregular migration effectively, and the third is to alleviate pressures on the overloaded system for dealing with asylum-seekers and refugees. In the face of mounting public pressure for the country to improve the system under which skilled immigrants enter the country, the recommendations in this report are particularly timely.

Illegal Migration and Policy Challenges in Nigeria
Backgrounder

Nigeria faces a challenging task in reforming its migration policies to thwart illegal migration and human trafficking. Although it is a leader in anti-trafficking legislation in Africa, a lot more needs to be done on the policy front.

Regional Integration in the ECOWAS Region: Challenges and Opportunities
Backgrounder

One of the objectives of ECOWAS is to facilitate free movement of people and goods among 15 member states in West Africa. But the dream of free movement is far from being realized. Read this paper to find out why.

Toward an Inclusive Definition of the African Diaspora
Policy Brief

The African diaspora is increasingly viewed as an important population segment that can contribute to Africa’s development. But who exactly constitutes the African diaspora? This paper argues for a spatially inclusive definition of the African diaspora that encompasses all migrants of African origin.