Socio-economic impacts of out migration on maize production in Rolpa district, Nepal

Abstract

Labor migration has profound effects on agriculture production. It is increasing in the mid-hills of Nepal, and it leads to labor scarcity in agriculture. This study explored the effects of outmigration on maize production. The study was conducted at Rolpa Municipality and Sunil Smriti Rural Municipality, Rolpa district, Nepal. A total of 100 households with 50 respondents from migrant households and 50 respondents from non-migrant households were selected using a random sampling technique. Key informants interview, focus group discussion, and the household survey was used to collect data. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for the analysis. Results showed that the productivity of maize in non-migrated households was 2.93 t ha-1 which was significantly higher than that in migrated households (2.45 t ha-1). The maize income was decreased by US$ 19.41 in each individual outmigration. The 20% of remittance was used for food and clothing whereas the least share (5%) was invested in agricultural inputs. The adoption of mechanized technology was not significantly affected by remittance. The women's drudgery in the migrated households was found higher as compared to that in non-migrated households. Along with outmigration, it was observed that there was an increasing trend of land abandonment and exit from agriculture in the survey site. Therefore, the government should implement a policy which encourages people to invest remittance in agriculture specifically in the mechanized system that saves time, money, and drudgery.