The Transformative Potentials of Sub-Saharan African Migrants in the Development of their Homelands: Senegal as a Case Study

Subject Area

French and Francophone Studies

Abstract

Demographic, socio-political, economic and environmental factors push people to migrate in search of better opportunities and higher living standards. While abroad, migrants acquire resources conferring on them a significant development potential in the homeland. These migrants contribute to the development of their home countries through transferring financial, human and social capital. Thus, Sub-Saharan African countries are tapping into their diaspora to substitute for absent local resources.

Thanks to their advanced educational training as well as their professional capacity and experience, and thanks to their developed political consciousness, these migrants can serve as agents of socio-economic and political change. They can help draft appropriate constitutions, identify policy priorities and projects for social, economic and political transformation, and formulate strategies for implementation. Similarly, they can influence public opinion through debates, writings and cultural arts aimed at nurturing and inculcating democratic political habits in the minds of the political society.

Within the framework of the transformative potentials of migrants in the development of their homelands, and using Senegal as a case study, this paper will examine the following questions:

  • How can Sub-Saharan African countries tap into the resources of migrants for growth and poverty reduction?
  • What types of development projects can migrants initiate that will produce employment opportunities and social services?
  • How can educated migrants participate in democratization projects geared to promote social emancipation, empowerment, economic development, political participation, institutional building and good governance?
  • What is the political and social impact of Sub-Saharan African migrants in their homelands?

Using an eclectic approach involving quantitative and qualitative research methodologies as well as textual analysis of relevant literature, this paper will attempt to demonstrate the potentials of Senegalese migrants to act as agents of socio-economic and political change in their homeland.

Brief Bio Note

Philip Ojo teaches Francophone studies at Agnes Scott College. His research focuses on Francophone literature with a concentration on Africa and the Caribbean. He is also interested in global issues, particularly migrant experience, as well as expressions of identities and social conditions in popular culture.

Keywords

migration, change agents, homeland, Sub-Saharan Africa, Senegal, poverty reduction, socio-economic development, empowerment, political participation, good governance

Location

Room 218/220

Presentation Year

2018

Start Date

4-5-2018 5:35 PM

Embargo

9-30-2017

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Apr 5th, 5:35 PM

The Transformative Potentials of Sub-Saharan African Migrants in the Development of their Homelands: Senegal as a Case Study

Room 218/220

Demographic, socio-political, economic and environmental factors push people to migrate in search of better opportunities and higher living standards. While abroad, migrants acquire resources conferring on them a significant development potential in the homeland. These migrants contribute to the development of their home countries through transferring financial, human and social capital. Thus, Sub-Saharan African countries are tapping into their diaspora to substitute for absent local resources.

Thanks to their advanced educational training as well as their professional capacity and experience, and thanks to their developed political consciousness, these migrants can serve as agents of socio-economic and political change. They can help draft appropriate constitutions, identify policy priorities and projects for social, economic and political transformation, and formulate strategies for implementation. Similarly, they can influence public opinion through debates, writings and cultural arts aimed at nurturing and inculcating democratic political habits in the minds of the political society.

Within the framework of the transformative potentials of migrants in the development of their homelands, and using Senegal as a case study, this paper will examine the following questions:

  • How can Sub-Saharan African countries tap into the resources of migrants for growth and poverty reduction?
  • What types of development projects can migrants initiate that will produce employment opportunities and social services?
  • How can educated migrants participate in democratization projects geared to promote social emancipation, empowerment, economic development, political participation, institutional building and good governance?
  • What is the political and social impact of Sub-Saharan African migrants in their homelands?

Using an eclectic approach involving quantitative and qualitative research methodologies as well as textual analysis of relevant literature, this paper will attempt to demonstrate the potentials of Senegalese migrants to act as agents of socio-economic and political change in their homeland.