Publication: Migration and Economic Mobility in Tanzania : Evidence from a Tracking Survey
Date
2008-12
ISSN
Published
2008-12
Author(s)
Abstract
This study explores the extent to which
migration has contributed to improved living standards of
individuals in Tanzania. Using longitudinal data on
individuals, the authors estimate the impact of migration on
consumption growth between 1991 and 2004. The analysis
addresses concerns about heterogeneity and unobservable
factors correlated with both income changes and the decision
to migrate. The findings show that migration adds 36
percentage points to consumption growth, during a period of
considerable growth in consumption. These results are robust
to numerous tests and alternative specifications. Unpacking
the findings, the analysis finds that moving out of
agriculture is correlated with much higher growth than
staying in agriculture, although growth is always higher in
any sector if one physically moves. Economic mobility is
strongly linked to geographic mobility. The puzzle is why
more people do not move if returns to geographic mobility
are high. The evidence is consistent with models in which
exit barriers are set by home communities (through social
and family norms) that prevent migration of certain
categories of people.
Citation
“Beegle, Kathleen; De Weerdt, Joachim; Dercon, Stefan. 2008. Migration and Economic Mobility in Tanzania : Evidence from a Tracking Survey. Policy Research Working Paper; No. 4798. © Washington, DC: World Bank. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/6333 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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