Coping with Absence How Rural Households Adapt to Migration in Afgoye, Somalia

Abstract

This papers investigates the effects of rural-urban migration on communities in Afgoye. It explores social, economic, and gender-related factors, including environmental and economic push factors, and migration-induced networks. Using a mixed-methods approach with a sample of 384 individuals and key informant interviews, the research found that rural households make various adjustments, such as diversifying income and changing household labour dynamics, to cope with migration. The most significant finding was a statistically significant increase in household labour demands, which fills a gap in previous literature that often focuses more on remittances and social networks. The study highlights the resilience of rural households and provides valuable insights for policies aimed at supporting these communities.