West African Migration to Mediterranean Countries and Agricultural Work

Abstract

In this Chapter, we will firstly give a brief overview of West African migration to southern European and Maghreb countries using national and international statistical data available. This statistical framework covers both global trends in the region as well as some of the main countries in the Afro-Mediterranean migration area for which the migratory phenomenon is the most documented, namely Senegal (country of origin), Morocco, Spain and Italy (destination countries). Since the Maghreb is often primarily considered as a transit area for sub-Saharan Africans leaving for Europe, we will focus on the real diversity of their profiles and specifically on the case of Morocco. Lastly, the third part will be devoted to sub-Saharan immigration in southern European countries, and will focus on its role in the Spanish and Italian agricultural production systems