Agricultural change under structural adjustment and other shocks in Zambia. Centre for Development Studies, University of Bath, Working Paper. The nature and causes of migration in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa are still poorly understood. This research investigated internal migration process from southern Zambia, in part as a response to population growth, drought and environmental degradation. Rather than seeking to model migration using stereotypes of homogeneous, cooperative, and altruistic family and household units, the research highlights the role in migration behaviour of conflict and struggles over resource access within family and kinship networks.
Data comes from two qualitative studies conducted in different areas of Southern Province, Zambia.
The Gwembe valley is a relatively harsh environment with a long history of outmigration. Monze district was until recently a relatively prosperous farming area, with above average population density and infrastructure. Nearly 50 percent of Gwembe migrants moved to farming areas, mostly elsewhere in Southern Province. Close to 60 percent of Monze migrants moved to farming areas north of Lusaka. Residual contact between migrants and their families are maintained, particularly through attendance of funerals.