Synthesis Note

Internal Migration and Urbanization

Author

Rosemary Vargas-Lundius In collaboration with Abrar Chowdhury, Soonhwa Yi, Ganesh Seshan and Nadege Desiree Yameogo

Date
January
2018
Abstract:

The purpose of this synthesis report is to highlight the importance of assessing the significance of internal migration for development and poverty alleviation. The focus is on certain geographical areas. Bangladesh, India, and China figure dominantly, since several reports presented at the conference dealt with specific aspects of internal migration in these countries. Kazakhstan is mentioned as an example of how patterns of internal migration are affected in a country undergoing transition from a centralized planned economy to a market economy. Nigeria and Colombia are presented as examples of countries where internal migration is particularly complex, since both countries are dealing with a substantial number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) The presented examples of internal migration as well as the policies and initiatives discussed are generally not unique to these countries and may thus be relevant to other countries experiencing high internal migration movements. To give a better understanding of how the perception of migratory movements has evolved over time, a short historical perspective is presented, including examples of countries where migration has had a tangible, positive impact on human and economic development.

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