The Role of Trust and Migrant Investments in DiasporaHomeland Development Relations

Abstract

Research into the role of diaspora communities in origin countries’ development
is a growing phenomenon. However, there is little understanding of the role of
trust in mediating transnational relationships between migrants and recipients
of remittances (non-migrants, members of migrant households and community
leaders). Using a case study methodology, mixed methods and a comparative
approach – in-depth interviews with 40 key informants (20 in the UK and 20 in
Ghana), 120 questionnaires administered in the UK and 346 questionnaires
administered in Ghana – this paper examines differing conceptualisations of
trust among ‘development partners’ in the process of negotiating as well as
implementing migrant-funded development projects. It also examines the nature
of investments of migrants in the origin country. Migrant respondents are from
the Kwahuman Traditional Area and the Upper East Region of Ghana. Ghana is
used as a case study to examine this phenomenon both from the perspective of
the migrant and that of the origin country partners. Narratives by migrants are
examined in order to unearth factors that inform their decision-making and the
approaches they adopt to ensure accountability.