From distress migration to selective migration: Transformative effects of agricultural development on seasonal migration

Mostly for survival rather than wellbeing or profit, seasonal migration is a deeply entrenched but burdensome coping strategy among the rural poor who face livelihood insecurity, trapping many in vicious cycle of chronic poverty and migration. Can agricultural development programs effectively transform these livelihoods places migration? Following mixed-methods approach, including survey 1,860 randomly sampled households states Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka India, we assess potential Wadi program, which supports integrated farming systems, to boost farmers’ productivity change their When comparing participants program with non-participants, find significant reduction intensity frequency migration, as well spillover effects – that is, not only also whole villages profit from an enhanced local economy. We further analyze general challenges pattern migrants, factors play role decision seasonally migrate. it crucial reasons underlying order enable distress selective This study’s results imply benefits be gained scaling up concept provide evidence its positive impacts contribution science–policy dialogue about programs.Download : Download video (85MB)Video 1. Video