Seasonal labour migration in rural Nepal: a preliminary overview

This paper discussesthe development of rapid appraisal mechanisms through an examination of seasonal labour migration in rural Nepal. The primary purpose of the study was to:test the methodology being used to develop appraisal mechanismsuse the data to gain an overview of migration patterns and dynamics, and how they fit within a broader livelihoods frameworkTo conduct the study, the authors surveyed postgraduate students in Nepal, primarily agricultural extension officers, on labour migration patterns.The authors findings include:seasonal migration in Nepal results from highly complex push (high levels of poverty and food insecurity) and pull factors (seasonal employment opportunities elsewhere), with flows mainly going from higher to lower altitudes within Nepal and to better developed areas in India. Migration is on the rise, with new areas employment arising faster than older ones are disappearing.migration is an increasing phenomenon, and in the poorest villages seasonal migration is the main livelihood source for the poor households.agricultural work dominates, but there are important flows for non-agricultural work.daily wage rates are very variable, but are generally in the US$1.50.3.00 range. Wage rates in India are significantly higher than in Nepal, non-agricultural wages are higher than those in agriculture, and wage rates for recent flows are higher than for traditional ones.the insurgency situation in Nepal is jeopardizing employment opportunities; livelihood opportunities across a spectrum of activities are diminishing or even disappearing, and the food security situation is steadily worsening both because of actions of the insurgents and by reason of official measures taken to curb them.The authors conclude that:while the present survey adds to existing knowledge on seasonal labour migration at the macro level, much more needs to be done before concrete new policy measures can be recommended.a fully-resourced study needs to be conducted if the dimensions and dynamics of this important issue are to be properly understood.this study should be repeated with a larger number of informants, including representatives of NGOs and the commercial private sector, as well as migrants themselves. This will require a participatory approach.