The role of trust in diaspora-homeland development relations

Abstract

Research into the role of diaspora communities in origin countries’ development is a growing phenomenon. However, there is little understanding of the role of trust in mediating transnational relationships between migrants and recipients of remittances (non-migrants, members of migrant households and community leaders). Using a case study methodology, mixed methods and a comparative approach – in-depth interviews with 40 key informants (20 in the UK and 20 in Ghana), 120 questionnaires administered in the UK and 346 questionnaires administered in Ghana – this paper examines differing conceptualisations of trust among ‘development partners’ in the process of negotiating as well as implementing migrant-funded development projects. It also examines the nature of investments of migrants in the origin country. Migrant respondents are from the Kwahuman Traditional Area and the Upper East Region of Ghana. Ghana is used as a case study to examine this phenomenon both from the perspective of the migrant and that of the origin country partners. Narratives by migrants are examined in order to unearth factors that inform their decision-making and the approaches they adopt to ensure accountability. Survey results are also used to highlight associations between key variables. The findings indicate that the bulk of the expenditure on productive activities by migrants takes place outside of household circles. Consequently, productive uses of migrant remittances are grossly under-reported due to a lack of trust between migrants and beneficiaries in the origin country.