(25 May 2017) Mostly men, between the ages of 30 and 50 either with no degree or a very low level of education emigrate from Senegal but very few unemployed: before leaving their country, the majority cultivated the land. Destinations: mainly France, the Central African countries of Gabon and the Republic of Congo, and Italy. They leave their country for economic reasons in search of a better life, but also to refine their studies, with the intention of returning. This is the picture that was painted from the report "Why not stay?" (Perché non restare?) - a survey on the migratory phenomenon in five villages in the rural region of Matam in North-Eastern Senegal conducted by Green Cross Italia and presented at the World Africa Day Which today, May 25th. The research was carried out under the "Energy to Stay" (Energia per restare) project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), which aims to combat irregular migration flows by supporting sustainable long-lasting agricultural development. The data and information was collected by NGOs by directly interviewing 564 families residing in farming villages, mostly composed of only 10 members who had at least one relative who emigrated abroad; through 17 focus groups; and discussions between different communities on the issue of migration. "When you see that there is nothing at home, you leave. A poor man is ready for everything" said a young man in the village of Synthiou Diam Dior. "No one can stand looking at his family in poverty. For this reason, men leave in search for a better life". In fact, 90 % of those interviewed receive approximately €4.50 to €150 and in some cases more than €300 from their emigrated relatives on a monthly basis for food, bills, education, and health care. A reality confirmed by all recent statistics: over the last decade the remittances sent by migrants to Senegal have increased and in the 2010-2014 period, they averaged 11% of the annual GDP. (Red)

THE AUTHOR OF THE REPORT

Luciana De Michele, research and the author of the report confirms, "our interviewees, young immigrant candidates, reported that many would follow irregular migration routes if they could not get a visa for European countries such as France or Italy, for example. In our survey sample, the thrust of migration seems to have been increasing over the past five years: the difficulty to receive regular visas from European embassies does not discourage those who really want to leave. If before it was easier to join their fathers or brothers abroad perhaps either to study or contribute to the family economy back home without resorting to emigrating illegaly; today it is no longer possible". The tightening of the borders that fuels the myth of Europe among young people who are willing to face the risks of an illegal journey rather than staying in a country such as Senegal which offers too little in terms of employment and training.