Can foreign aid reduce the desire to migrate? Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Parallel to traditional immigration control policies, states send substantial amounts of foreign aid to address the root causes of migration. Using a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), we evaluate a representative type of ``root causes'' aid (RCA) project in Africa, implemented by the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). We find the project reduced aspirations to migrate and slowed preparations for the journey. However, effects wane six months after the project ended. Multiple mediation analysis shows `instrumental place attachment' -- or the ability to pursue important goals in one's place of residence compared to other destinations -- is the main driver. That a small RCA project increased instrumental place attachment, albeit briefly, is significant given global inequalities. We explore this finding by conducting interviews with IO- and NGO practitioners to understand how development organizations affect instrumental place attachment; and with youth to understand how interventions (un)successfully moderate the choice to stay or migrate.