Correlates of Inter-Districts Migrations in Tanzania. A Gravity-Type Modeling Approach

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the role of environmental factors as potential drivers of internal migrations in Tanzania, along with a number of socio-economic factors traditionally identified as key correlates. Climate changes are expected to exert pressure on areas which mainly rely on agricultural activities and, as a result, act as push factors for population movements. Yet, understanding the association between migration, environmental conditions, and objectively-determined characteristics of origin and destination territories remains a challenging task, especially in developing countries. In this study, we follow a macro approach and focus on migration flows across Tanzanian districts. By implementing a gravity-type model, we analyse the potential impact of environmental shocks and socio-economic characteristics of both the area of origin and destination on inter-districts migration.