The Dynamics of Migration and Food Security in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Study of Migrant Entrepreneurs and Their Contributions to Rural and Translocal Livelihoods

This project explores the profile of international migrants in rural Eastern Cape (Tsolo, Qumbu, Mqanduli, Nqanqarhu, Mount Frere and Libode) where international migrants have been operating shops and small businesses. It focuses on their contribution to the food security of these rural communities, as well as the relationship between their remittance sending and food security at both destination and place(s) of origin. The objectives include: (1) To explore the patterns, drivers, and dynamics of urban-rural migration among international migrants settling in rural parts of the Eastern Cape; (2) To assess the contributions of these shops to the food security of the communities in which they are embedded; (3) To explore the livelihoods and level of food security of the migrants themselves; and (4) To investigate the patterns and impact of remittance sending of these migrants. Phase 1 of the research administers 120 quantitative survey questionnaires alongside observations of the shops in the 6 rural towns and their nearby locations. Phase 2 consists of 20 Semi-structured individual interviews with key migrant shopkeepers and migrant community members; 5 Semi-structured interviews with key informants in the area such as traditional leaders and ward councillors; 3 Focus group discussions; and ethnographic approaches and observation of dynamics in the shops and in the social settings of the migrants.