Assessing drought-induced temporary migration as an adaptation strategy: evidence from rural India

ABSTRACT Drought is a regular occurrence in the western part of West Bengal state in Eastern India. Here, drought-like ambience ensues during every summer. Summers manifest intensively in some years leading to prevalence of drought in this region. Recurring drought has been one of the most important reasons forcing the rural people of this region to migrate out and the area experiences the highest out migration rate in the state. Most of the migrants seek employment in the nearby agriculturally and economically developed districts. The present study aims at investigating the importance of migration as a part of their livelihood strategy in times of drought. The study is based on information collected from door to door survey of migrant households through a structured schedule designed for the purpose. Livelihood threats loom large on the marginal and small landholding households in drought years which results in severe crop failures. Members of these households often try to adapt to the crisis by resorting to migrate out for a short duration. The study reveals that this coping strategy benefits the small land holders to some extent but the poorest continue to be extremely vulnerable. Even the institutional level assistance cannot eliminate drought vulnerability. The study also reveals that seasonal migration is resorted to as the last option as a strategy after exhausting all other possibilities.