Does labour migration for cocoa production in Ghana translate into greater social benefits?

Abstract

A survey of 200 migrant labourers was conducted to explore whether labour migration for cocoa production in Ghana translates into greater social benefits using the net social benefit criterion. Majority of migrant labourers on cocoa farms were better off in terms of accommodation, food, medication, respect gained, social and economic impacts, and working conditions after migration. There were external benefits and costs associated with labour migration. Migrant labourers who experienced social benefits from labour migration were more than those who had social costs. Thus, social benefits associated with labour migration for cocoa production in Ghana outweigh the social costs. To maximize social benefits from labour migration, cocoa farmers should assist migrant labourers with accommodation, food and medical expenditure, and improve their working conditions on cocoa farms by giving them personal protective equipment to reduce occupational hazards.