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  • Title: [Reasons for Senegalese migration determined by ethnic background and social status].
    Author: Sy M.
    Journal: Pop Sahel; 1991 Apr; (16):29-35. PubMed ID: 12343342.
    Abstract:
    Recent studies of female labor force participation and migration in sub-Saharan Africa have disproven earlier beliefs about the passive role of women in migration. Monoculture of ground nuts throughout Senegal has let to a monetarization of the traditional subsistence economy, disturbing the already fragile equilibrium of rural life. Neglect of subsistence crops has meant that the rural population must depend heavily on imported rice. Women, who bear the main responsibility for feeding their families, have increasingly turned to migration to satisfy their cash needs. Several studies have shown that different patterns of migration occur in different ethnic groups with different marital tradition. Serere, Diola, and to a lesser extent Oulof women are more involved with labor force migration that are Toucouleur, Peul, or Soninke women, who virtually never migrate except with their spouses or families. The minimum age at marriage among Serere women is relatively high 16 or 17. Young girls aged 12-20 migrate to cities to seek employment as domestics. Their migration may be seasonal or permanent. Ciola women receive recognition for their hard work and are the owners of rice granaries that are essential in feeding their families. They also have greater matrimonial and sexual independence than most African women and are able to migrate freely in search of work. A 1987 survey indicated that 60% go to Dakar, 19% to Gambia, and 20% to other urban areas in Senegal. Almost 2/3 of migrants in 1967 were under 25. 67% of the women were single and 9% were widows or divorcees. They often share housing with other migrants from their ethnic group and village, significantly lowering their housing costs and gaining assistance in finding work and companionship in non working hours. Earnings of Serere and Diola women depend on their age, educational level, and work experience as well as the occupational status of the employers. The Oulofs have a tradition of trade throughout Senegal and have the highest education and urbanization levels of any Senegalese ethnic group according to surveys. They are less represented in domestic work than Serere and Diola women and more likely to find employment in the informal sector. The Toucouleur, Peul, and Soninka are conservative, and their women are much less likely to migrate independently. A high proportion of women eventually migrate with their husbands, and may seek employment in petty trade to help earn money. Illiterate women from these groups are less likely to migrate. The 1979 migration and manpower survey indicated that for the total population, family reasons far outweigh any others in explaining female migration. Permanent migration of young women reduces fertility rates and affects the age structure in the villages of origin. Rates of morbidity and mortality may rise if very significant proportions of young people depart.
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