A Comparative Study Of Urban Poverty Among Migrants And Indigenes In The Communities Of Chorkor And Old Fadama, Accra

ABSTRACT

Migrants and Indigenes in big cities tend to suffer similarly from marginalization. However, the mechanism that induce poverty among the two groups are not the same. Urban communities are heterogeneous with different poverty patterns and dynamics. Accra, the capital city of Ghana is no exception. The phenomenon has led to the emergence of slums in the capital. The urban poor live a life of insecurity and suffer basic social deprivations. This work takes a comparative study approach to the study of urban poverty among migrants and indigenes in Accra, specifically the communities of Chorkor and Old Fadama. The objectives of the study were to examine the patterns of poverty, the livelihood profiles of the poor, their access to social amenities and services and finally their coping strategies. Using a mixed method approach, 200 questionnaires were administered in the two communities in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Also, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in each of the communities. The findings revealed different poverty dynamics among the two groups. The key pull factor why people migrate to Old Fadama is for employment opportunities. Old Fadama has more diversified livelihoods as compared to Chorkor where there is a traditional activity around which about half of the people live their life on. Social networks were found to be a useful asset to the migrants as they derived protection and job allocations from these networks. Both communities lack basic social amenities and are characterised by poor housing and poor sanitary conditions. Also, both communities have varied coping mechanisms. It was recommended that government extends youth employment programs most especially to the rural areas to reduce the inflow of people into the capitals, hence reducing congestion in the cities and pressure on amenities. Also, government should set up appropriate institutions and encourage private participation in waste management. Finally, government should consider relocation or reformation of slums in the cities.