Migration and Sustainable Practices: Investigating the Mediating Role of Relative Deprivation and Subjective Well- Being Among Migrants and Non-Migrants in Accra

Abstract

This study investigates the interconnection between migration and sustainable practices while exploring the mediating roles of relative deprivation and subjective well-being among migrant and non-migrant populations in Accra, Ghana. The primary research objectives encompass examining socio-demographic and household characteristics, analyzing sustainable practices, exploring associations between these characteristics and sustainability, investigating the mediating effects of relative deprivation and subjective well-being on migration and sustainability relationships, and identifying predictors of sustainable practices mediated by subjective well-being and relative deprivation. The study focuses on diverse populations residing within the Greater Accra Region, specifically targeting the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Ashaiman, Adenta, and Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA). The research encompasses non-migrants, internal migrants (Ghanaians relocating within the country), and international migrants from the ECOWAS Sub-region particularly, Nigeria and Niger. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative research approach, the study leverages data from the Migration, Transformantion and Sustainability (MISTY) project, scrutinizing these populations within the aforementioned districts. The findings unveil compelling insights into the mediating influences of relative deprivation and subjective well-being. Both internal and international migrants exhibit significantly higher levels of relative deprivation and lower subjective well-being compared to non-migrants, indicating pronounced disparities in perceived satisfaction and deprivation across these groups. Furthermore, the study identifies diverse determinants influencing sustainable practices across economic, social, and environmental dimensions for non-migrants, internal migrants, and international migrants. Factors such as locality of residence, access to infrastructure, place attachment, educational levels, and family size demonstrate varying degrees of influence on sustainability within these populations. Subjective well-being emerges as a pivotal influencer across multiple dimensions of sustainable practices for both migrant and non-migrant populations, underscoring its critical role in shaping perceptions and behaviours toward sustainability. The findings emphasize the significance of tailored sustainability initiatives that address disparities and leverage strengths within diverse communities. Recommendations include targeted efforts by policymakers and stakeholders to enhance local conditions, infrastructure, and community satisfaction, thereby fostering sustainability among Ghana's heterogeneous migrant and non-migrant populations. Educational programs, collaborative endeavors, and interventions aimed at cultivating sustainable attitudes, particularly among international migrants, are proposed to fortify sustainability and wellbeing in Ghana's diverse population groups.