Development and Migration: A Case Study of Agricultural Households in Northern Ghana

This study explores the intricate relationship between economic development and migration patterns in Northern Ghana's agricultural communities. Utilizing data from the EGC-ISSER Ghana Socioeconomic Panel Survey, the analysis focuses on the economic motivations driving migration, considering factors such as urbanization and economic growth. The findings reveal that while urbanization and economic prosperity individually decrease migration, in line with the assumptions of the human capital models of migration, their interaction significantly increases it, suggesting that growing wealthy urban centers; the emergence of new; or the growth of smaller urban centers (made possible due to economic growth) offer enhanced opportunities that attract migrants despite potential saturation. These findings shed light on the complex dynamics between economic development and migration and help make sense of economic development's short-term effects (namely, increased migrations). The results provide a mechanism for understanding the changing levels of migrations (primarily domestic) over the course of economic development. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to align development strategies with migration management in low-income countries.