DIIS Policy Brief
African diaspora engagement and homeland development
New DIIS Brief by Nauja Kleist analyses Somali and Ghanaian associations in Denmark
Diaspora and migrant associations are often praised as new 'agents of change' for their contributions to development in their countries of origin.
In this new DIIS Brief Nauja Kleist, project senior researcher in the Migration Unit at DIIS, examines Somali and Ghanaian migrant associations in Denmark and their involvement in development. The Brief presents two main conclusions: First, that while migrant associations do contribute to poverty alleviation and the provision of social services in their areas of origin, their contributions are usually based on particular affiliations and primarily focus on the areas of origin of the association. Second, that successful support to development projects via associations requires knowledge of and networks in both the Danish society and the receiving area.
The Brief thus emphasizes the importance of local partners and collaboration for transnational development support. However, it also stresses that while migrant associations do make important contributions, they cannot replace larger development processes and actors.
The Brief was presented at the seminar 'Agents of Change? African Diaspora Organizations and Homeland Development', held at DIIS April 3, 2009. This was the second seminar in the DIIS Migration Seminar serial 'Revisiting the Migration-Development Nexus: visions, challenges and prospects'.
Link to DIIS seminar: 'Agents of Change? African Diaspora Organizations and Homeland Development', 3 April 2009
In this new DIIS Brief Nauja Kleist, project senior researcher in the Migration Unit at DIIS, examines Somali and Ghanaian migrant associations in Denmark and their involvement in development. The Brief presents two main conclusions: First, that while migrant associations do contribute to poverty alleviation and the provision of social services in their areas of origin, their contributions are usually based on particular affiliations and primarily focus on the areas of origin of the association. Second, that successful support to development projects via associations requires knowledge of and networks in both the Danish society and the receiving area.
The Brief thus emphasizes the importance of local partners and collaboration for transnational development support. However, it also stresses that while migrant associations do make important contributions, they cannot replace larger development processes and actors.
The Brief was presented at the seminar 'Agents of Change? African Diaspora Organizations and Homeland Development', held at DIIS April 3, 2009. This was the second seminar in the DIIS Migration Seminar serial 'Revisiting the Migration-Development Nexus: visions, challenges and prospects'.
Link to DIIS seminar: 'Agents of Change? African Diaspora Organizations and Homeland Development', 3 April 2009
Topics
Regions
Denmark
DIIS Experts
Photo/illustration by Lynggaardhansenfoto.dk
African diaspora organizations and homeland development
the case of Somali and Ghanaian associations in Denmark