Migration Dynamics in Western and Southern Africa. Introductory Article.

Abstract

Migrations have occurred throughout human history. Human migration generally refers to the movement of people from one place or state in the world to another for taking up permanent or semi-permanent residence, usually across a political boundary. This can occur at a variety of measures, i.e. intercontinental (between continents), intracontinental (between countries on a given continent), and interregional (within countries). Either migration of people from one place to another can be voluntarily or they may be forced to move. Accompanied with migration are many challenges that migrants experience; these may be physical, financial, psychological or emotional. Human migration affects population patterns and characteristics, social and cultural arrangements and processes, economies, and the physical environment. As people move, their cultural personalities and ideas diffuse with them, creating and changing traditional landscapes.