Pillar 2. Scientific Research
The MAPS project’s research activities aim to produce evidence-based knowledge on migration and forced displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa. A multi-perspective approach will define the research design and methodologies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and ethical protocols.
The project will select 40 early-career researchers from the region through open calls. These scholars will be awarded 30-month scholarships and will conduct in-depth qualitative research, including 40 interviews each. Under dual mentorship from African and European supervisors, the scholars will contribute to content analysis and co-author publications.
In the framework of capacity building, three summer schools will be organized to build local research capacities in key areas such as migration, data analysis, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To ensure comprehensive data collection, 1,600 semi-structured face-to-face interviews will be conducted with internal migrants, capturing their perceptions, coping strategies, and migration patterns. Data will also be gathered through online surveys targeting over 700 frontline practitioners to capture best practices and identify gaps in current policy responses. Interviews will include diverse groups such as LGBTI people, children, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
All findings will be consolidated into a MAPS Multi-perspective Research Report, which will synthesize both theoretical and empirical data. This report will be policy-oriented, providing evidence-based recommendations, strategies, and tools for governments and civil society organizations to improve migration and displacement responses.