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AEGIS European Conference on African Studies
11 - 14 July 2007
African Studies Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Malian associations in France and socio-ecological development of Kayes(Mali)
| Panel |
42. Transnational spaces/cosmopolitan times: African associations in Europe
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| Paper ID | 115 |
| Author(s) |
Kadje, Danielle Minteu
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| Paper |
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| Abstract | How can we explain the evolution of a particular society through exchange between local populations and members of this community who migrate?What initiatives has a specific diaspora group undertaken?Recent trends reveal that international migration in its various forms challenges important forms of social organisation.This assumption reflects the argument that the dynamism of diaspora contribute to the socio-ecological development of a local environment.Drawing from my doctoral research,this presentation analyses the impact of Malians associations in France on the transformation of the rural region of Kayes(Mali).This region is particular because of its high emigration rate and majority of Malians in France comes from Kayes.This long term migration began during the post second world war economic boom in France and was made posible thanks to the economic treaties binding both countries.After the 1981 law in France which permitted all migrants to form their associations,Malian hometown associations became more visible in the French society.This specific diaspora is organized into a wide range of regional and ethnic associations.
This paper could shed some lights on a number of variables which explain the above stated research questions through at least three hypotheses.
-First,the involvement of Malians associations in many social projects contribute to the development of Kayes.These associations survive on substantial collective savings which help sustain"the insiders"and support for developmental projects.To illustrate this point,following the construction of some schools in Kayes,social hierarchy emerged through the emancipation of youth and women.
-Secondly,these associations cooperate with NGOs in the execution of their projects,in order to benefit from their expertise,skills and knowledge such as the installation of an irrigation system which transformed thid desert area into a flourishing agricultural settlement.
-Lastly,since the adoption of the law of decentralization(1997)in Mali,these associations have entered into cooperation with French local authorities,in order to learn and benefit from the latter's democratic expertise which they will in turn use in the training of their home officials.
This paper higlights the paradigm of transnational spaces in policy analysis.It focuses essentially on development and diaspora.This interaction can be viewed as a new approach to poverty reduction in Africa. |
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