On the political economy of urbanisation: Experimental evidence from Mozambique
This policy brief explores findings from a field experiment that studies the political outcomes of a programme to integrate rural migrants in Quelimane, an expanding city in Mozambique.
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Armand et al Policy Brief November 2024.pdf
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- This policy brief explores findings from a field experiment that studies the political outcomes of a programme to integrate rural migrants in Quelimane, an expanding city in Mozambique.
- The programme consisted of face-to-face coaching of migrants, job matching, mobile money education, and information about the city, its public services, and voting. Importantly, in the programme’s main variation, local leaders actively participated in programme delivery.
- Although the programme’s labour market effects were limited, it increased electoral turnout among migrants, as well as political mobilisation.
- Involving local leaders in programme delivery increased their political mobilisation and campaigning efforts for the incumbent party. It also improved residents' overall positive views of migrants.
- Promoting urbanisation by supporting the integration of rural migrants in urban settings can be in the political interest of local governments.