CONCEPTUALISING MIGRATION AND LIVELIHOODS: Perspectives from the Global South

Historically, migration has played a significant role in the livelihood portfolios of individuals and families in many parts of the Global South. Within this context, South-South migration flows, often overlooked in the migration literature (even though they account for approximately two thirds of migration flows in developing countries), play a key role as a medium to long-term livelihood strategy to diversify income sources. Diverse livelihood strategies of households include farming activities, the sale of waged labour, engaging in petty trading and other strategies adopted to minimise economic and environmental risks. While recognising that diversity in the livelihood strategies and risks faced by households exists across the African continent, this chapter provides an overview of migration and livelihoods in the Global South by identifying key themes and issues in literature. The chapter is divided into three sections: the first section explores the nuances in the conceptualisations of migration, focusing on the definitions, typologies and trends in migration, and highlighting typologies of significance in the context of South-South migration. Though critical, these typologies have received limited attention in the extant migration literature. They include seasonal migration, circular migration, and cross border movements, among others. The second section examines the important theoretical perspectives on the linkages between migration and livelihoods to understand migrant livelihoods, arguing for the need to embed migration within broader global processes of social, economic and political transformation. The third and final section delves more into migration and livelihood linkages. It focuses on empirical evidence on the diversification of migrant livelihoods in destination areas and countries. Furthermore, scholarly work on the diverse employment opportunities available to male and female migrants, such as the care industry, domestic work, construction work, female porters (kaya yei), cross border traders, fishermen and agricultural workers is reviewed. These migrant labour opportunities have diverse economic and social implications in both areas of origin and destination.