Examining Livelihood Strategies of Male Migrants in La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality

Abstract

Livelihoods of migrants have attracted the attention of researchers and policy makers in many studies. However, like most aspects of social policy research, the concept has been looked at emphasizing on the role played by female kayaye in developing countries like Ghana. This study examines livelihood strategies of male migrants in a suburb of Accra, La-Nkwantanang Madina area. The objectives were to identify the capabilities which comprises of strengths and weakness of the male migrants. It also identifies the assets they hold such as social capital, physical capital and financial capital which enable them to make a living. The study also looks at the situation confronting male migrants making them vulnerable. A total of 50 male migrants engaged in hand-truck pushing, head porterage, and metal scrap collection-and-sale activities were interviewed. Analysis of themes gathered from the data collected show that male migrants have their own strategies for survival and they also help other relatives as they make their own living. The findings were discussed and recommendations made on this basis for policy formulation and further studies.