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The within-country distribution of brain drain and brain gain effects: A case study on Senegal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 February 2024

Philippe Bocquier ,
Narcisse Cha'ngom ,
Frédéric Docquier  and
Joël Machado
Philippe Bocquier
Affiliation:
Center for Demographic Research (DEMO), Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Narcisse Cha'ngom
Affiliation:
LISER, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Esch-sur-Alzette Luxembourg Department of Economics and Management, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Frédéric Docquier*
Affiliation:
LISER, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Esch-sur-Alzette Luxembourg Department of Economics and Management, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Joël Machado
Affiliation:
LISER, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Esch-sur-Alzette Luxembourg
*
*Corresponding author: Frédéric Docquier; Email: frederic.docquier@liser.lu
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Abstract

Existing empirical literature provides converging evidence that selective emigration enhances human capital accumulation in the world's poorest countries. However, the within-country distribution of such brain gain effects has received limited attention. Focusing on Senegal, we provide evidence that the brain gain mechanism primarily benefits the wealthiest regions that are internationally connected and have better access to education. Conversely, human capital responses are negligible in regions lacking international connectivity, and even negative in better connected regions with inadequate educational opportunities. These results extend to internal migration, implying that highly vulnerable populations are trapped in the least developed areas.

Keywords

Brain drainbrain gainhuman capitalmigrationselectionSenegal

JEL classification

O15: Human Resources • Human Development • Income Distribution • Migration R23: Regional Migration • Regional Labor Markets • Population • Neighborhood Characteristics J61: Geographic Labor Mobility • Immigrant Workers E24: Employment • Unemployment • Wages • Intergenerational Income Distribution • Aggregate Human Capital • Aggregate Labor Productivity J24: Human Capital • Skills • Occupational Choice • Labor Productivity
Type
Research Paper
Information
Journal of Demographic Economics , First View , pp. 1 - 28
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press in association with Université catholique de Louvain

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