Introduction

Abstract

This chapter introduces the subject matter of this book. We begin by presenting an overview of internal migration into slum settlements in Ghana and Uganda. The historical antecedents—pre- and postcolonial—that influenced and continue to impact internal migration are discussed. The economic developmental patterns across space in both countries which have triggered diverse streams of migration such as rural to urban, urban to urban, urban to rural, and rural to rural are deliberated. The chapter further presents other variables that have influenced out-migration among the poor and vulnerable including conflicts, political instability, and environmental concerns. Furthermore, a detailed description of the study areas in both Uganda and Ghana is provided. Apart from the geographic locations, we show which informal settlements are designated officially as residential places and the ones that are not, as well as the ramifications for environmental service provision. We show a gist of the extent of deprivation, which is highlighted in other chapters. A subsection on methodology provides the overall data and methods information for the primary data collected. Information is provided on sampling strategy and methods of data collection such as survey, biological and chemical contaminant testing, body health mapping, participatory hazard mapping, and conceptual mapping.