The Role of Social Capital in the Migration and Livelihood of Migrants in Poor Urban Communities in Accra

Abstract

The importance of social capital is not only recognized in the sphere of migration but also embedded in economics, social and political scope which makes it a significant tool in social setting. This study focused on how migrants accessed social capital in the process of migration and its effect on their livelihood at the destination. This study examined the various forms of social capital that migrants use in their migration process as well as their livelihood strategies. It also explored how existing social capital can be improved to address the needs of migrants at their destination. The theoretical background encompasses the social capital concept, its related models and how it results in migration. Semi structured questionnaires and an interview guide were the data collection tools used. The study involved both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data made use of the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents as well as the forms of social capital they employed. The qualitative data involved key informant interviews used in obtaining adequate knowledge on social capital and its related networks that were patronized by would be migrants. The sample size was 120 migrants within the study area (Mamobi and Madina). The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 32 while the qualitative was done thematically by referring to the objectives. Findings from the study indicated that a substantive number of migrants relied on social capital not only in their migration but also as a livelihood strategy. The most form of social capital relied on by migrants was the bonding social capital from relations and friends. From the findings, it was evident that migrants were confronted with certain challenges in relation to accommodation and employment. It is concluded that the reliance on social network impacted positively on the lives of migrants as well as their families. The study recommended that government through its local agencies (Ministry of Works and Housing) as well as NGOs ought to provide temporary shelters in migrant prone areas in order to reduce migrants prevailing usage of the street and shops of urban settlement as their abode.