A Gendered Analysis of Internal Migration and Youth Neet in Ghana

jonas Dzeble, Regional Institute for Population Studies
Donatus Yaw Atiglo, University Of Ghana
Abu Mumuni, University of Ghana
Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana

NEET - Not in Employment, Education, and Training, is a term used to measure the disengagement of people from economic activity within a population. Internal migration is an important livelihood strategy among young people to expand employment or educational opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the interaction between intra- and inter-provincial migration patterns and type of destination (urban-rural), and their impact on NEET status among youth in Ghana, from a gendered-perspective. With data from three quarterly waves of 2022 Ghana Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES), this study employs logistic regression models to examine the influence of migration status on NEET. Overall, females are more likely to be NEET than male counterparts. Urban destination for intra- and inter-regional migration significantly reduces the likelihood of being NEET among males, though not significant for females. Migration (intra- and inter-regional) into Rural areas decreases the likelihood of NEET for both genders, though the effect is more pronounced for males. These findings highlight the nuanced dual-labour market theory and place-based human-capital theory of migration destination on youth NEET. This gendered disparity in outcomes highlights the need for tailored-gender-sensitive policy interventions addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by migrant youth in different regions.

Keywords: Human Capital, Education, and Work, Gender Dynamics, Internal Migration and Urbanization, Children, Adolescents, and Youth

See extended abstract.