Statistical Perspectives on Migration and Its Impacts On Agriculture and Livelihoods: A Systematic Review

Abstract

 Migration has become a crucial socio-economic phenomenon affecting the livelihoods of the rural areas and agriculture in the developing world, especially in India. The present research review paper investigates the statistical connection between migration, agriculture and livelihood in the context of rural economy. Household migration is typically a coping mechanism for households experiencing distress in the agricultural sectors, unemployment, or environmental hardships. The study aims to integrate the existing knowledge to gain insights into the causes, nature and implications of migration and its double-edged effect on agriculture and rural livelihoods. The review draws attention to the fact that economic challenges like low agricultural productivity, seasonal unemployment, poverty, and wage disparities are major drivers of migration. Furthermore, environmental conditions, like climate change, droughts and floods, contribute to further intensification of migration flows. Theoretical models like neoclassical theory, Harris–Todaro model and New Economics of Labour Migration have accounted for migration as an individual/household decision to maximize incomes and diversify risks. The results suggest there are both benefits and consequences to migration. Positive outcomes of remittances received by migrant workers include boosting household incomes, which has a positive effect on household poverty, and facilitating investments in agriculture, education, and health care. These financial inflows are helpful for livelihood diversification and economic stability. The negative impact of migration is, on the one hand, the lack of agricultural workers and on the other hand, the increased workload for women and elderly members, as well as structural changes in rural labour markets. The review also highlights the necessity of the use of remittances to impact agricultural productivity, a factor that is largely dependent on the way remittances are used. Remittances can boost productivity by investing in inputs and technology, but they also may affect agriculture productivity if there is a shortage of labour. The study shows that migration has a complex and essential function in the process of rural development. There is a need for effective policy interventions to maximise its benefit and minimise its negative impacts, especially in the agrarian areas of Odisha