Sapienza leads MAPS, a three-year international research on sub-Saharan migration policy

For the next three years, Sapienza University of Rome will coordinate the Migration and Displacement Action Plan for sub-Saharan Africa (MAPS), one of the most impressive international research projects on the complex panorama of migration in sub-Saharan Africa. The €10m project, involving European and African universities and institutions, includes 40 grants for young researchers from sub-Saharan Africa and knowledge-sharing initiatives. 

Designed to support local governments in the challenge of migration, the Project promotes educational activities with the provision of scholarships and research grants, and initiatives to spread knowledge of best practices. 

The three-year research will be carried out in 10 sub-Saharan African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa) and is distinguished by a strategy built around four pillars:

• context analysis,
• scientific research,
• promotion of dialogue,
• raising awareness of the results achieved.

MAPS focuses particularly on the impact of the environmental, socio-economic and political crises affecting the region.

The 4 Ps

The researchers will collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data related to migration, around four main thematic areas:

1. Population (People),
2. Environment (Planet),
3. Economic and social sustainability (Prosperity),
4. Human rights (Peace).

MAPS is funded by the EuropeAid budget line, with a total of €10 million (including €8 million from the European Commission).  The project will be coordinated by Cristina Giudici from Sapienza University, holder of the UNESCO Chair in Population, Migration and Development.

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