Temporary migration includes circular migration, particularly seasonal migration. In addition, this section briefly addresses international migration.

The proportion of lifetime migrants living in other regions varies markedly from one source to another, probably reflecting both data quality and time-based in-migrant/out-migrant variations among the regions. Despite these inconsistencies, several trends can be noted. First, some regions exhibit very low migration over the entire period; among them are eastern Senegal (Tambacounda), Saint-Louis, Louga, and, to a lesser extent, the Casamance areas (Kolda and Ziguinchor). Other regions occupy an intermediate position, showing fluctuations from time to time. This is the case in Sine-Saloum (Fatick and Kaolack) and the regions of Thiès and Diourbel.

Information on migration in the last 5 years is available from the 1979 Labor Force Survey and the 1988 census. During the 5 years preceding the census, all regions in Senegal had both in-migrants and out-migrants, though the magnitude of these flows was different. Three regions experienced net in-migration during the 5 years preceding the census (Dakar, Ziguinchor, and Tambacounda); the others (except Diourbel and Kolda) experienced net out-migration (see Table 3-2). The importance of migration for Dakar is apparent; in-migration, out-migration, and net in-migration are far higher for Dakar than for any of the other regions. In most regions, the migration for both males and females was mostly among young adults. Females exceeded males in terms of in-migration within the last 5 years in Dakar, Diourbel, and Ziguinchor, the latter of which also reported more female than male out-migrants. Fatick, Louga, and Thiès also reported more female than male out-migrants.

Analysis of migration flows by type of residence reveals that among migrants moving within the 5 years preceding the census, migration from one urban area to another was most common. Migrants moving from rural to urban areas were the next most prevalent. Movements into rural areas were the least typical (see Figure 3-5). Clearly, since most migrants moved into urban areas, there was a net urban gain, which can be seen in Figure 3-6. It is clear from both of these figures that most of the movement has taken place among the younger ages.

More recent information on migration is available from the 1991-1992 Enquête Sur les Priorités [6], which asked respondents to list their last place of residence. A preliminary analysis of these data indicates that there has been little change in the pattern of migration since the 1988 census.