This open access Regional Reader examines the dynamics and impacts of international migration within and from West Africa. The book presents key theoretical perspectives and empirical findings on historical trends, geographical patterns, drivers and socio-economic impacts of both voluntary and involuntary migration in West Africa, a region that is characterised by high level of mixed migration flows. The book is divided into three main parts: changing patterns and governance of migration, managing environmental and forced migration, and diaspora, transnationalism and development. The chapters raise key research questions and outline recommendations for improving migration governance, protecting migrants and harnessing the benefits of migration for socio-economic development for both countries of origin and destination of migrants. As such this Regional Reader provides an interesting read to students, academics, researchers, migration experts, development practitioners and policy makers.

“The book is well-researched and comprehensive. It is a thought-provoking work that critically engages with current debates and controversies surrounding free movement and regional integration in West Africa, including issues of sovereignty, identity, citizenship and migration governance. … The book gives a detailed account of migration patterns, trends and policy frameworks.” (Rashmi Rani Anand, Africa Review, Vol. 15 (2), 2023)

Joseph Kofi TEYE is the Director of the Centre for Migration Studies (CMS) of the University of Ghana and a co-director of the UKRI South-south Migration, Inequality and Development Hub. He is also an Associate Professor of Migration and Development in the Department of Geography and Resource Development of the University of Ghana.  He holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Leeds. His current research interests include migration and development, migration policy development, environmental change and migration, and natural resource governance. He has written several journal articles and contributed chapters to a number of books. He is a co-editor of Migration in a Globalizing World: Perspectives from Ghana, which was published in 2017. Joseph Teye has participated (either as a PI or Co-I) in large research projects funded by international organisations, including, UKRI, DFID, EU, ESRC, ACP Observatory on Migration, and IOM. He has also consulted widely for a number of international organisations and governments. He was the lead consultant for the development of a national labour migration policies for Sierra Leone, Ghana and Malawi.