Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Geography & Environmental Studies
Program Name/Specialization
Human Geography
Faculty/School
Faculty of Science
First Advisor
Dr. Jonathan Crush
Advisor Role
Supervisor
Second Advisor
Dr. Bruce Frayne
Advisor Role
Committee Member
Third Advisor
Dr. Tera Sportel
Advisor Role
Committee Member
Abstract
This dissertation contributes to the migration-development literature by integrating food security into the analysis of South-South migration. While migration and development have been extensively studied, the connection between migration and food security remains underexplored, particularly in South-South migration contexts. The dissertation highlights the role of migration as both a coping strategy for food insecurity and a source of vulnerability for migrants in the specific context of temporary labour migration between Ghana and Qatar. Addressing this gap, the research examines how migration decisions are influenced by food insecurity in Ghana, the food security challenges faced by Ghanaian migrants in Qatar, and the impact of remittances on the food security of migrant-sending households.
The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Data was collected through 200 household surveys in Ghana and 58 in-depth interviews with migrants in Qatar, alongside five key informant interviews. Quantitative methods, including multinomial regression analysis, were employed to assess household food insecurity using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). Qualitative interview data provided contextual insights into the migration-food security nexus, revealing complex and nuanced connections. The research is grounded in a theoretical framework that integrates the Push-Pull Plus (PPP) model, the Aspiration-Capabilities framework, and the concept of translocal households. The PPP model provides a lens to analyze migration as a response to interconnected drivers such as food insecurity, economic hardship, and social networks. The Aspiration-Capabilities framework emphasizes the interplay between individuals’ migration aspirations and their resources or capabilities to act on those aspirations, highlighting structural constraints like poverty and unemployment. The translocal household perspective examines the bidirectional flows of resources and responsibilities across geographically dispersed household members, framing migration and food security as interconnected processes that span origin and destination contexts.
The research identifies key determinants of food insecurity, including household expenditure, educational attainment, and dietary diversity. Increased household expenses and limited dietary diversity were associated with higher odds of food insecurity in Ghanaian households. The key empirical finding is that food insecurity acts as a significant push factor for migration from Ghana to Qatar. Over 80% of migrant households in Ghana were found to be food insecure, with mild to moderate food insecurity being the most prevalent. Households adopt migration as a livelihood strategy to mitigate food insecurity, relying on remittances for food purchases, children’s education, and basic needs. However, remittances do not guarantee complete food security, as challenges related to household structure, income levels, and dietary diversity persist. However, remittances do mitigate the severity of household food insecurity. Female-centred households were particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, reflecting broader gender inequalities in access to resources and decision-making.
In Qatar, Ghanaian migrants experience distinct food security challenges influenced by their immigration status, employment type, and cultural factors. Migrants on company-sponsored visas generally receive regular meals but face limitations in dietary diversity and cultural appropriateness. Freelance migrants, however, face greater food insecurity, struggling to access consistent and nutritious food due to erratic incomes and unpaid food allowances. Cultural dislocation further exacerbates the issue, as many migrants find it difficult to access traditional Ghanaian foods, leading to reliance on less preferred diets. Coping strategies include communal cooking, skipping meals, and consuming inexpensive foods, highlighting the precarious nature of migrant livelihoods in Qatar. The study also underscores the bidirectional relationship between food security in Ghana and Qatar. Migrants’ remittances significantly contribute to improving food security and reducing poverty in Ghanaian households. However, the pressure to remit can exacerbate food insecurity among migrants in Qatar, forcing them to prioritize financial support for their families over their own dietary needs. This dynamic reflects the interconnected nature of translocal households, where resources flow between origin and destination but with varying implications for food security.
In conclusion, this research demonstrates the complex and reciprocal relationship between migration and food security. While migration offers a pathway to improved household food security in Ghana, it simultaneously creates vulnerabilities for migrants in Qatar. By adopting a translocal perspective, this dissertation advances understanding of the migration-food security nexus, providing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to address food insecurity in the context of South-South migration. The findings emphasize the need for targeted policies to address the interconnected challenges of food security and migration. Recommendations include enhancing support systems for migrant workers in destination countries, ensuring fair labour practices, and improving access to culturally appropriate foods. In origin countries, policies should focus on addressing the structural drivers of food insecurity, such as unemployment and inadequate agricultural support, while leveraging remittances to promote sustainable livelihoods.
Recommended Citation
Owusu, Bernard, "South-South Migration: Examining the Links Between Food Security and Migration from Ghana to Qatar" (2025). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 2738.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/2738
Convocation Year
2025
Convocation Season
Spring
