Origin-destination linkages as livelihood strategy for migrants from the three regions in the Northern sector of Ghana resident in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

Linkages are the social and material links and networks that connect migrants to their places of origin. Linkages are employed by migrants to sustain relations as well as improve the socio-economic status of their places of origin. It is against this backdrop that the study sought to assess origin-destination linkages as livelihood strategy among migrants from the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana who are resident in the Cape Coast Metropolis. To accomplish this, a descriptive cross-sectional survey design involving quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted for the study. The study was grounded in four theories: The New Economics of Labour Migration (NELM), Migration Networks Theory, Migration Systems Theory and Social Exchange Theory. A sample size of 297 was derived from a population of 1,287 using Raosoft Calculator. A self-developed interview schedule and interview guide were used for the data collection. The data were analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies and Chi-square. The study revealed that majority of the migrants had some form of linkages with their families at their places of origin. Some of these linkages included attending funerals, cash remittances, non-cash remittances, communication and child fostering. Further, the results showed that origindestination linkages influence migrants’ livelihoods both positively and negatively but the positives influence far outweigh the negative ones. It was, therefore, recommended that the various forms of origin-destination linkages be encouraged among migrants.