Non-farm work and irrigation emerge as critical buffers, offering a roadmap for sustainable rural development.
A groundbreaking study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has identified crucial factors that significantly reduce drought-induced migration among rural farm households in India. The research highlights the pivotal roles of access to non-farm business activities and irrigation in building resilience against climate change impacts.
Led by Dr. Sabuj Kumar Mandal, Associate Professor of Economics, and Dr. Gauri Sreekumar, Researcher, from IIT Madras, the study found no significant evidence of drought-induced migration among households actively engaged in non-farm businesses or those with access to irrigation facilities. This compelling finding underscores the positive impact of diversifying income sources and ensuring water availability in drought-prone rural areas.
While the link between rainfall and temperature anomalies and migration is well-established, the specific impact of climate-change-induced drought on migration among Indian rural farm households has been less understood. This research fills that critical gap, offering valuable insights for policymakers.
The findings, recently published in the esteemed peer-reviewed journal Indian Economic Review (https://doi.org/10.1007/s41775-024-00233-z), emphasize that migration, despite sometimes improving overall family well-being, often leads to significant urban challenges such as overpopulation, poverty, and increased crime. Furthermore, excessive rural-urban migration can negatively impact agricultural production, land use, and food security, hindering sustainable development.
“Rural-urban migrations come with drawbacks,” stated Dr. Mandal. “Families try to adapt to drought conditions through various strategies before reluctantly having to migrate. Personal and influential experiences with home and psychological factors also play a big role in the decision to migrate.”
Dr. Sreekumar elaborated on adaptation strategies: “To reduce the risk imposed by drought, families turn to non-farm activities to reduce the dependence of households’ income on crop yields. This income has a positive impact, being used to purchase crop and livestock inputs, improve skills and production technologies, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and helping prepare for disasters.”
The study also affirmed the vital role of irrigation. “Irrigation contributes to additional water for crops, ensuring food security, stabilizing agricultural productivity, and reducing cases of farmer suicide,” Dr. Sreekumar added. Efficient irrigation techniques not only enhance crop production and water conservation but also significantly lower households’ susceptibility to drought, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ultimately reducing migration rates.
The researchers analyzed data from Round I (2004-2005) and Round II (2011-2012) of the India Human Development Survey (IHDS), employing the Difference-in-differences (DiD) method to estimate the impact of drought on migration.
Policy Recommendations for a Resilient Rural India:
Based on their comprehensive findings, the IIT Madras researchers recommend that the government bolster the rural non-farm sector through existing schemes like the Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (which aims to provide transport services in rural areas and alternative livelihoods for Self-Help Group members) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Similarly, irrigation techniques can be further supported and expanded through initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), designed to expand cultivated area under assured irrigation and improve water use efficiency.
Beyond economic interventions, the study also highlighted the significant role of social capital. Households’ participation in agriculture, milk, or other cooperatives, non-government organizations, credit/savings groups, self-help groups, and similar associations was found to be crucial in checking migration. The researchers suggest the government establish more farmer-based organizations and agricultural extension services to strengthen these community networks.
This IIT Madras study provides a robust, evidence-based roadmap for developing effective policies to mitigate drought-induced migration, fostering greater resilience and sustainable development in India’s rural communities.