The Diaspora Mapping Toolkit builds on IOM’s rich experience of over 150 diaspora mappings implemented across diverse contexts, this Toolkit presents a systematic, comprehensive yet very flexible and agile approach to conducting diaspora mappings in differing contexts. By following the proposed clear guidance on how to collect and analyse data on diaspora communities, decision makers will have the possibility to create more strategic and evidence-based policies empowering diaspora members to contribute and engage thus maximizing their contributions to development.
 
This innovative Toolkit is the first global guidance tool bringing together a myriad of experiences from the field, the expertise of practitioners and high scientific rigour. This methodology successfully piloted in Ecuador, Eswatini and Senegal, covers all possible data collection methods, starting from qualitative studies based on key informants and focus groups all the way to capturing substantial amounts of quantitative data on diasporas. This Toolkit crystalizes IOM’s commitment to developing effective, inclusive and data-based policies. Each component reflects a rigorous and standardized approach to policymaking, taking into consideration the specificities of each territory, the dynamics on the ground and the multiple stakeholders interacting with transnational communities. 

IOM’s Diaspora Engagement team  published its sixth biannual newsletter

Learn about the diaspora engagements within IOM’s projects and get some interesting diaspora insights.

 This edition also includes some interesting reads on skills mobility and the role of diaspora in humanitarian response. 

IOM thanks the interesting voices who are featured in this edition: Eugène Désiré Nzengou, Kriticos M., Hanan Challouki, Mariam Harutyunyan among others

In the newsletter, there is a thorough list of events for diaspora and podcasts.

COLEACP and The FoodBridge vzw, a non-profit organisation, have produced a Compendium showcasing the innovative businesses of nine African Diaspora agrofood entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs have seized the opportunities to apply their education and professional skills gained in Europe to support sustainable development in their country of origin, alongside achieving entrepreneurial success in their country of residence. Through their businesses, they contribute to the development of the African continent and address the social, economic and environmental challenges in their place of origin. Entrepreneurs from the African Diaspora also foster new collaborations and relationships between continents.

COLEACP – through the FFM and FFM SPS programmes – and The FoodBridge vzw have worked together to enhance the visibility of entrepreneurs from the African Diaspora and their contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of Africans. The African Diaspora Agrofood Forums, jointly co-organised in 2020 and 2021, have reunited stakeholders to discuss the role of the African Diaspora and global agribusiness in supporting development both on the African continent and in diaspora communities.

Contributions and Counting: Guidance on Measuring the Economic Impact of your Diaspora beyond Remittances provides guidance for governments and national authorities looking to understand and measure the economic contributions made by their diaspora to their country of origin – that is, contributions beyond financial remittances. These economic contributions include investment, trade, tourism and philanthropy. Contributions and Counting provides users with a structured approach to understanding existing data collection frameworks and how they can be modified to isolate foreign capital inflows made by the diaspora through the aforementioned channels. Data generated from this exercise can be utilized to make more precise policy interventions and develop more effective policies and programmes to engage the diaspora as developmental actors.

Diasporas are agents with the capacity to create transnational connections and initiatives to support their communities both in their countries of origin and in their countries of residence. Technology provides an invaluable tool to galvanize these diasporic efforts to tap into the unlimited potential of the digital space and collaboration. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of 2019, diasporas have become powerful actors in supporting communities both in their countries of origin and residence – for instance, by conducting information and advocacy campaigns using digital platforms to stop the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable people within their communities. Digital platforms have also been very useful as a tool to collect funds to distribute goods, personal protective equipment, and sanitary equipment. In addition, technology has allowed diasporas to communicate efficiently, reinforce existing networks, and engage with other stakeholders involved in the response to the pandemic such as international organisations, governments, and experts.  

The publication showcases important initiatives undertaken by diasporas to contribute to their societies and to sustainable development digitally during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.