Sida has commissioned the Institute for International Urban Development (IIUD) to conduct a field-based study of migration within and from sub-Saharan Africa focusing on the following issues:

• The determinants of migration, objectives and strategies, decision-making, links and affiliation with social networks including religious and village of origin associations, and choice of channels and processes for migration.
• Access to income-earning opportunities in the receiving country, remittance-sending patterns, priorities regarding uses.
• Household strategies to improve their economic conditions and living standards.
• The use of remittances to finance the acquisition of land, housing improvements or new house construction.
  

The study relies on four interlinked field surveys to document migration from sub-Saharan African countries to Europe, the Persian Gulf and South Africa and to trace the impact of remittances on investment in housing and improvement of the living conditions of families with transnational migrant members.  Patterns of transnational migration are being studied in selected communities of Kenya and Senegal while cross-border movements of migrants from Zimbabwe, Congo and Mozambique are being examined in South Africa. Institute staff and affiliates are working jointly with colleagues in Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique to conduct surveys of families receiving remittances.  Whenever possible, returning migrants (permanently or temporarily) are sought out to provide pertinent information. Remittance senders have also been interviewed in the United States and South Africa.

A final report, to be completed in June 2008, will present the results of all fieldwork undertaken and will discuss the impact of transnational migration on improving the living conditions of households with migrant members. The study also aims to develop partnerships with existing entities to maximize the benefits of remittances by channeling aid funds to support remittance-based neighborhood development. Following the submission of the report, a one-and-a-half day seminar will be held to discuss the policy implications of the study, its potential contribution to poverty reduction strategies and its impact on housing delivery programs.