Abstract:
This study examined labour migration and associated development in the Nandom Traditional
Area. The objective of the study was to find out whether labour migration is an option for
improved livelihoods and development in the Nandom Traditional Area. Both returned migrants
at Nandom and migrants at destination, Accra were interviewed. The field work was undertaken
in two areas, namely Accra Metropolis and Nandom District. Mixed research method was used.
Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. A questionnaire and an in-depth
interview guide were the instruments used for the study. A total of 40 returned migrants and 14
migrants at destination were interviewed at Nandom and Accra respectively. The study found out
that Dagaaba labour migrants migrate due to various reasons such as poverty, lack of jobs
especially the off farming season, lack of social facilities and infrastructure among others and
labour migration generally has positive effects on household’s livelihood in Nandom due to the
inflow of remittances. It was observed from the study that, policy makers on migration and
livelihood tend to ignore the agricultural labour migration especially during off-farming period
as a critical issue in development planning. The study also recommends that government should
consider irrigation in the area to curb labour migration during the dry season. Improved
infrastructure, in terms of health facilities, roads, schools, potable water will help bridge the gaps
in development between Nandom and the destination area Accra and other potential ones in other
parts of Ghana which usually attract the youth. This is because the loss of human resources from
the area as a result of migration does not seem to be compensated by the benefits of migration.
The departure of the youth affects their livelihoods positively. Results of the study revealed that
migrants were predominantly males, with a relatively smaller but increasing number of women
over the years. Based on the findings, the study argues for the introduction of more poverty
reduction strategies in the area that will reduce the incidence of migration in the area.
