Spurred by major changes in the world economy and in local ecology, the contemporary migration of Africans, both within the continent and to various destinations in Europe and North America, has seriously affected thousands of lives and livelihoods. The contributors to this volume, reflecting a variety of disciplinary perspectives, examine the causes and consequences of this new migration. The essays cover topics such as rural-urban migration into African cities, transnational migration, and the experience of immigrants abroad, as well as the issues surrounding migrant identity and how Africans re-create community and strive to maintain ethnic, gender, national, and religious ties to their former homes.
“Reflecting a variety of disciplinary perspectives, African Migrations examine the causes and consequences of contemporary migration spurred by major changes in the world economy and in local ecology, both within the African continent and to various destinations in Europe and North America.”
“Population movements have been one of the most important social processes unfolding on the African continent over the past century.”
— Michael Lambert, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
“[Explores] new terrain and [gives] nuance to our understanding of African migrations and the African Diaspora.56.1 March 2015”
— Journal of African History
“[T]he theoretical insights coupled with a strong selection of empirical case studies make overall for an informative and enjoyable read. ”
— African Affairs
“The 14 engaging case studies assembled here add to understanding the social processes of voluntary and forced displacement within the continent and across the seas. . . . Recommended.”
— Choice