The demographic dynamics of migration in coastal Ghana

Holly E. Reed, Brown University
Catherine N. Stiff, Brown University
Michael J. White, Brown University

This paper uses event history data from coastal Ghana to examine interregional migration. The use of life history data in migration research is relatively rare. We have the advantage of a complete life history calendar for 2500 adults. Ghana is one country in Africa where the demographic transition is well underway, so it is an important setting for the study of migration. In addition to examining rural-to-urban migration, we also look at other types of migration (rural-to-rural, urban-to-urban, and urban-to-rural). Results from discrete time event history logit models indicate that only some of the usual hypotheses about migration are supported. We find higher probabilities of migrating for more educated persons, non-married persons, urban residents, and previous migrants. In addition, having more than two living children, being employed, or being in school all deter migration. These results are largely consistent in multinomial logit models of movement to rural or urban areas.