Migration and return (tuki ak ñibbi): their impact on local development in Senegal – A comparative study of Louga and Thiès

This thesis explores the migration-development nexus through an in-depth analysis of migration patterns and their socio-economic impacts in the Senegalese regions of Louga and Thiès. Focusing on both outgoing migration and return migration, the study examines how these movements shape local development and reflect broader socio-cultural values. Migration from Louga and Thiès is influenced by factors beyond economic necessity, including social expectations and aspirations for personal and community advancement. Through qualitative interviews, this research captures the emic perspectives of migrants and community members, revealing the role of remittances in household stability and community projects, as well as other transnational activities linking the two spaces simultaneously inhabited by migrants. The thesis further investigates how return migration, sustained by international cooperation initiatives and diaspora or returning migrants’ associations, contributes to the local economy, albeit limited by insufficient institutional support and funding issues. Findings highlight that while returnees bring skills and resources, barriers such as mistrust in governance and limited economic opportunities often hinder their reintegration. This research calls for migration policies that recognise migration as both a social practice and a human right, emphasising the need for development frameworks that support sustainable, locally-led alternatives to migration that have to be complemented by structural change through state intervention. By addressing migration’s complexity in these distinct regional contexts, this thesis underscores the potential for more inclusive policies that respect migrants’ agency and strengthen community resilience.