Bassari Migrations

Book excerpt: Migration among the Bassari people of eastern Senegal has produced an apparent paradox: villages are experiencing rapid and profound change as they are being incorporated into larger national structures and, at the same time, village institutions remain largely untouched. In this book, Dr. Nolan examines both the causes and consequences of migration from the Bassari village of Etyolo. Through extensive fieldwork spanning eight years, he shows how rural and urban areas have interacted over time. Although levels of both seasonal and long-term migration have become substantial, agricultural productivity remains stable and traditional practices persist. Dr. Nolan explains how the effects of migration have been controlled and shaped and discusses how migration may even have strengthened the village power structure. Returning migrants contribute cash and goods to the village economy but do not act as dissidents or innovators. However, Dr. Nolan points to adverse effects migration may have in the future and indicates what the first signs of strfèss may be.