Labor Migration and Agricultural Production in Nepal
Abstract
Continued migration from rural areas and the associated growth in remittance inflows are changing basic characteristics of Nepal’s agrarian economy. Using cross-sectional household survey data covering agricultural production during the 2013 growing season, this thesis investigates the linkages between migration and agricultural production in twenty districts of Nepal. This study focuses on understanding what household and farm characteristics are associated with migration decisions and destination choices using multinomial logit model. I also gauge the impact of labor migration and remittance receipts on maize yield and input levels. Results reveal that the households highly dependent on agriculture have a higher likelihood of migrating to India and other international destinations. The probability of migration to India and other countries increases by about 7 percent and 11 percent, respectively for highly agriculture-dependent households. A unit increase in land ownership increases the probability of staying at the place of origin by about 16 percent. Rural households tend to migrate within Nepal and to India while urban households prefer migrating to other countries. Higher maize yields are associated with households that have migrants within Nepal. Households that have migrants in countries beyond India have higher costs of maize production but without additional yield gains. Results reveal that, among households in the sample, spending on inputs for maize crop production is not strongly related to remittances. These results help to understand migration decisions and destination choices, as well as the impacts of these on spending for crop production. The findings can help inform agricultural and migration policies in Nepal.
Degree
M.Sc.
Advisors
Gautam, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Agriculture|Labor relations|South Asian Studies
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.