Migration and Religion in Africa

Oko Ume Okorie Ph.D
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Oko Ume Okorie Ph.D: Lecturer Department of Sociology and Anthropology Abia State University Uturu & amp; Minister in the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 5, 5802-5811

Abstract: Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family. Human movement has played vital role in improving individual wellbeing. In Africa, migration from one place to another cannot be over emphasized, it is now in the forefront of socio -religious discussions, especially in those countries where people have been displaced through conflict, climatic change, or where people move in search of economic and social opportunities that do not exist in their countries of origin. Migration and religion are intertwined phenomena in Africa, shaped by historical, social, and economic factors. Migration within and from Africa is a complex phenomenon deeply twisted with religious beliefs and practices. This study observes carefully the ways in which religion shapes the experiences of migrants in Africa, and how migration, in turn, influences religious beliefs and practices. Other areas considered are: Religious motivations for migration, Religious support and challenges for migrants, The role of religion in migrant integration and the impact of migration on religious landscapes. The paper was anchored. The paper adopted Social Network Theory, propounded by Mark Granovetter in 1973. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research draws on data from Nigeria to explore the role of religion in migrants and decisions to move, their experiences of displacement and resettlement, and their interactions with host communities. The findings highlight the significance of religion as a source of comfort, identity, and community for migrants, as well as its role in shaping migrations; relationships with their host societies. This study contributes to our understanding of the intersections between migration and religion in Africa, and has implications for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to promote inclusive and sustainable migration practices.

Date: 2025
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