Does Mothers' Migrant Status Affect Child Fostering in Sub-Saharan Africa? Evidence from Two Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

Cassandra Cotton, McGill University
Donatien Beguy, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

Children across sub-Saharan Africa reside in a variety of different living arrangements. In slum communities with high rates of circular migration and significant urban poverty, parents may choose alternative living arrangements for their young children rather than co-residence. Despite the importance of residence for child well-being, we know relatively little about the number of children out-fostered from slum communities and where they reside when they are apart from mothers. Using birth history data from the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System collected between 2005 and 2009, we will determine the percentages of children under 15 residing away from their mothers by mothers. migrant status (recent, long-term and non-migrant). We will also analyze factors and characteristics of migrant and non-migrant mothers to determine what may influence decisions about child fosterage out of Nairobi.s slum settlements.