Contextualization

Africa is an exceptionally rich and diverse continent, both in terms of its cultures and its geography. A particularly relevant aspect of this continent is its historical and ongoing interaction with the rest of the world through migratory flows. These can be defined as the movement of people between different locations, whether within a country or between countries.

There are many factors that influence and shape migratory flows, including economic, political, social, and environmental reasons. Understanding these flows is vital, as they have a significant impact on both the areas of origin and the destinations of migrants. Understanding these migratory flows and the impact of migration in general is essential to understanding the world we live in.

African migratory flows have a long history and are marked by periods of intense movement and relative calm. In this sense, they are deeply influenced by historical events such as the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, post-colonial and civil wars, as well as contemporary issues such as urban growth and the search for better life opportunities.

The importance of studying the topic of African migratory flows goes beyond understanding the past and present of the African continent. African migration is a significant part of the history and reality of humanity in general. It influences the economy, politics, society, and culture of many other places in the world, and understanding it is essential to comprehend how communities, countries, and regions are interconnected.

That said, some of the resources we suggest to delve deeper into the topic are:

1. "Migratory flows in Africa: between escape and hope" - BBC News Brazil (Article) (Link)
2. "Why millions of Africans leave their countries and what this means for the continental economy" - El País (Article) (Link)
3. "Africa: mass migration is a myth, study says" - Deutsche Welle (Article) (Link)

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Interactive Map of African Migratory Flows

Project Objective: The objective of this project is to create an interactive map that visually represents African migratory flows throughout history to the present. This will be done through research, group collaboration, data analysis and interpretation, and the subsequent construction of an interactive map.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group will choose a specific historical period to research and represent African migratory flows (e.g., transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, post-colonialism, contemporary intra-African migration, etc.). The idea is for each group to contribute a part of the interactive map where, in the end, when all parts are united, it will be possible to have a broad and interactive view of African migratory flows throughout history to the present.

Materials Needed:

1. Internet access for research
2. Program for creating interactive maps (we recommend using Google My Maps or similar)

Detailed Step-by-Step:

1. Formation of groups and choice of historical period to be researched.
2. Bibliographic research on African migratory flows in the chosen period.
3. Selection of the main migratory routes and the factors that influenced them.
4. Creation of the interactive map representing these migratory routes.
5. Write a description for each migratory route on the map, presenting a brief historical context, the main migration factors, and the consequences of these flows.
6. Presentation of the map and discussion in the classroom.
7. Writing a report on the experience, as per the guidelines below.

Project Deliverables:

In addition to the interactive map that will be presented and discussed in the classroom, each group must deliver a written report, which should include:

1. Introduction: The student must contextualize the theme, its relevance and application in the real world, as well as the objective of this project.

2. Development:

• Explanation of the theory on African migratory flows and analysis of the chosen period;
• Detailed description of the activity, including the research methodology used, the criteria for choosing the included routes, and the platform used to create the map;
• Discussion of the results obtained, such as the interactive map and the valuable information that emerged during the research.

3. Conclusion: Summarize the main points, learnings, and conclusions about African migratory flows and the experience of working on the project.

4. Bibliography: List all sources of information that helped in the project's completion.

This project aims to develop a series of skills in students, including the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information, develop solid arguments, work in teams, manage time effectively, and apply theoretical concepts in practice.