BMC International Health and Human Rights
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2018

Small scale migration along the interoceanic highway in Madre de Dios, Peru: An exploration of community perceptions and dynamics due to migration (Article) (Open Access)

Jensen K.E.* , Naik N.N. , O'Neal C. , Salmón-Mulanovich G. , Riley-Powell A.R. , Lee G.O. , Hartinger S.M. , Bausch D.G. , Paz-Soldan V.A.
  • a Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States, Bellevue, United States
  • b School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
  • c Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
  • d Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Callao, Peru, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Ave Honorio Delgado 430, Distrito de Lima, Peru
  • e Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
  • f Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
  • g Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Ave Honorio Delgado 430, Distrito de Lima, Peru, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
  • h Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States, Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Callao, Peru
  • i Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Ave Honorio Delgado 430, Distrito de Lima, Peru

Abstract

Background: Madre de Dios, a southern state in the Peruvian Amazon basin, has experienced rapid development as well as an influx of migrants since the construction of the Interoceanic Highway (IOH) connecting Brazil, Bolivia, and the Peruvian coast. We explored perceptions of migration and development in up to eight communities along the IOH in Madre de Dios following construction of the highway. Methods: We conducted a multiple methods study involving focus group (FG) discussions and interviews with key informants (KIs) in eight communities in Madre de Dios. The data was used to develop and apply a survey on demographics, financial, personal, social, human, and physical capital in four communities between February 2014 and March 2015. Results: We conducted 12 FGs and 34 KI interviews. A total of 522 people participated in the survey. Comparing migrants (those who had moved to the area after construction of the IOH) and non-migrants, we found no difference in food security or access to health services. The majority (67.6%) of respondents from both groups reported that illness was their primary threat to well-being. Non-migrants owned more land than migrants (p < 0.001), were more likely to have piped water directly in their home (p = 0.046), and were more likely to participate in community groups (p = 0.012). Looking at perceptions about migrants, KIs and FGs discussed both positive perceptions of migrants (increased cultural exchange and new technology) and negative perceptions (increased drugs and alcohol in their communities and a lack of investment in the community). Both migrants and non-migrants reported trusting the local government more than the national government. Conclusions: Although we hypothesized that migrants would have decreased access to food, water, health services, and land relative to non-migrants, our results show that the only significant differences were in land ownership and water access. Efforts to improve community infrastructure should be carried out at the local level and focus on improving issues reported by both groups, such as potable water, sewage, and increased access to health services. Furthermore, an emphasis on community cohesion, ensuring land rights, and increasing long-term job opportunities should help ease tensions between migrants and non-migrants. © 2018 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Economic growth and development Community perceptions Rural migration

Index Keywords

information processing perception community dynamics demography health disparity human wellbeing community integration rural population controlled study health status Surveys and Questionnaires civil rights economic development migrant attitude psychology Humans male female socioeconomics questionnaire Organizational Policy community participation Article adult food security migration Transients and Migrants Peru Drinking Water water supply Focus Groups
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85042045235&doi=10.1186%2fs12914-018-0152-8&partnerID=40&md5=c7cfa768aa03469db954d798ab537323
DOI: 10.1186/s12914-018-0152-8
ISSN: 1472698X
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English