Migration and Integration: Understanding the Experiences of Rural-Urban Migrants in Madina

Abstract

Migration and integration experiences nexus as a phenomenon has not only been internal but international due to the increase and the presence of migrants at destination across the globe. In Ghana, rural-urban migration is on the ascendancy and migrant integration experiences are of immense concern. The objective of the study was to explore the migration and integration experiences of rural-urban migrants in Madina, Accra. Mixed method was adopted as the research design. Sixty (60) respondents were sampled for the study. The instruments used were questionnaire and interviews. Five (5) participants were selected for interview. Some of the merging themes during the interview are types of social network relied on during and after migrant migration processes, migrants integration strategies and those involved in the migration process. It was evident from the findings of the study that most of the rural-urban migrants were males within workable age with the majority of them identifying their pull and push factors as the quest for better living in urban centres. Others also identified educational opportunities, access to better social amenities amongst other factors as the driving force behind their movement away from home. It was further revealed in the qualitative studies that these migrants upon arrival in the city are faced with a series of problems before they are finally able to settle after persistent struggles. The most predominant challenge was identified to be accommodation and employment problems. They therefore depend on social networks for assistance, support from friends and sometimes their own efforts. Migrants upon arrival in the host community pointed out that aside the problem of securing accommodation as a major challenge, cultural and religious adjustment during their rural-urban migrant integration process is also another thing to consider. After a series of hard struggles, some respondents revealed to have successfully been integrated into the city and have gained the capacity to send remittances to their families back home. The study recommends that government intervene to ease the plight of these rural-urban migrants by liaising with its stakeholders and private organisations to build affordable housing at the urban centres to reduce accommodation deficit and create remunerating employment to help migrants integrate successfully.