Seasonal Labor Out-Migration In Rural Households Of Northwestern Ethiopia: Characteristics, Determinant Factors And Economic Impact At The Origin. The Case Of Debark And West Belesa Districts

Abstract

This study has explored the characteristics and pattern of seasonal out-migration in study districts, assessed determinant factors of participation in seasonal out-migration and examined the income contribution to household economy and impact on income inequality of seasonal outmigration at the origin in two contrasting districts of North Gondar Zone, Debark and West Belesa. Both primary and secondary data was collected in the study. Primary data required to meet the major objectives of the study was collected mainly through household survey. Sample respondents for the household survey were selected using multistage and random sampling technique. At each district, two Kebeles were selected randomly, one among those near to and the other among far from district capital town. Then, 260 households were selected for the survey, 130 at each district. Te collected data was analyzed by using descriptive (percentages, frequencies, mean, variance, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square tests, ANOVA, t-test, and regression). Out of the total 240 households, 136 households or 57 percent of households took part in seasonal migration in one or more of the past three years, i.e. 2016, 15 and 14. A total of 277 individuals from 136 households were found to be seasonally migrated to various destinations in the region, majority of which were male migrants (248) and few females (29). The most common destination is towards places outside of respective district, but within North Gondar zone. While different occupations exist, agriculture, including commercial and small holder crop production is the most important one. While seasonal migration is common in studied districts, the decision for participation is highly determined by different factors, with a positive influence from family size and number of members in working age, and negative from number of members with Post primary education, land size and annual crop income. Earnings from seasonal migration forms an important constitute of rural livelihood, where a majority of rural households in the study districts sent one or more of their members to work away from home for certain months a year. It serves, together with agriculture, as the primary income source of the rural areas. Most importantly, the lower segment of rural people, with lower total income, depend more on the activity than the well-off groups. Besides its role in income contribution, it has also the potential to reduce income inequality.