Migration and Rehabilitation: A Case Study of Omdurman Sudan

El Safi, Mohamed El Badawai (1990) Migration and Rehabilitation: A Case Study of Omdurman Sudan. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Full text available as:
[thumbnail of 11007592.pdf] PDF
Download (11MB)

Abstract

This study is concerned with rural-urban migration, with the socio-economic problems confronting migrants in Omdurman and the suitability of the solutions of their current situation. Basically, the research aimed to answer two major questions. First, what are the demographic and socio-economic conditions of migrants? Second, what could be done to rehabilitate them? In answering these questions the study utilises both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The former based on questionnaires given to both migrants and professionals. While the latter was confined to case histories and interviews of all those concerned with the problem. The thesis contains 8 chapters. The Introduction was intended to provide essential background information to the economic, political and social problems which have confronted Sudan since independence with special attention to the problem of migration. Chapter 1 explained urbanisation growth in African countries since the 1950's, which was attributed to rapid natural increase and in-migration from the countryside. In addition, imbalance of socio-economic development which was aimed to favour urban centres at the expense of rural areas. Chapter 2 reviewed the policies of rehabilitation in developing countries. These policies have tended to follow one of three types: Demolition and clearance, site and services and upgrading and rural development. The first was most common between 1950-1960. This policy failed to control urban land and aggravated the housing problems rather than solving them. The second started in the 1960's and aimed to provide low density housing and neglected the high rise tenements. The main problems facing this model were its failure to introduce water supply, electricity, transportation, basic infrastructure etc. . Many countries adopted both site and services and upgrading approaches. The third was adopted by some other countries through establishment of agricultural projects, growth centres or rural industries. Overall, this policy could help to disperse population but requires to be integrated with other approaches. Chapter 3 is concerned with the methodology and study framework. Three areas of migrants were selected on the peripheries of the town, that is the Western, Northern and Southern parts. The total number of respondents were 392 in addition to 10 family case histories, five from each type of migrant. The professional sample included 41 informants who represented different government ministries, institutions, research units and university teachers. A descriptive account of migrants was introduced in Chapter 4. The information which was obtained included area of origin; age; household situation, income, housing circumstances and perception of the problems. Chapter 5 examined the remarkable differences between both migrant sub-types. On the objective level the exercise included characteristics of each type, ethnic composition, factors which led to their migration, visits to village of origin, contact with the local community, education, occupation, housing and conditions of household health, amenities and level of modernity. On the subjective assessment, the emphasis was directed to the major differences between both family types. The study utilised the life history method (a biograhpical approach) to present the supplementary cumulative evidence. The adjustment to the new areas was assessed in Chapter 6. The study also combined both structural and cultural approaches. First, the structural account concentrated on two variables: type of migration and length of stay in town. Second, utilising case histories (biographical reconstructions) to evaluate changes in attitudes, values, aspiration, feelings of each family type towards the other and the host population. The interviewing included men, wives and children. The main objective of Chapter 7 is to assess the acceptabllity of the solutions by the migrants and the professionals. The main purpose was to reveal the extent to which the professional's views were based on accurate knowledge, Five solutions, each associated with different options, were suggested. These solutions were: 1. Assimilation of migrants in the city. 2. Rehabilitation on legal plots, outside the city. 3. Repatriation to area of origin. 4. Resettlement in new agricultural schemes. 5. Removal to old agricultural schemes. The conclusion chapter 8 Included a summary of the study findings and discussing them in relation to similar empirical studies and relevant social theories. Also the results of rehabilitation solutions discussed in the light of policies of settlement. The chapter ended by providing a framework of action and recommendations at national, regional and local levels.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Qualification Level: Doctoral
Keywords: Social structure, Demography, Area planning & development
Date of Award: 1990
Depositing User: Enlighten Team
Unique ID: glathesis:1990-78200
Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited: 28 Feb 2020 12:09
Last Modified: 28 Feb 2020 12:09
URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/78200

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year