Abstract
This briefing examines the motivations of agents and analyses the idea of risk‐sharing behaviour in the absence of insurance or intertemporel markets in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Migration might provide a shelter against uncertain income prospects when financial markets ‘malfunction’ or do not exist Labour migration tends to improve economic welfare of the destination countries and immigration may alleviate unemployment and provide inputs such as remittances and skills. Migration can also act as a mechanism for income redistribution and as a source for resources for families with migrants. International migration has had an overall positive impact on poverty alleviation in DRC. Remittances facilitate, to some extent, local entrepreneurial activity.