Resource degradation and human migration: A case study of Kalahandi district in Orissa

The extent, pattern and causes of migration have been studied in the Kalahandi district of Orissa by randomly selecting 167 farmers. The data related to the agricultural year 2002–2003 have revealed that the natural resources like land, water, forest and fisheries have been degraded, which has affected the income, employment and life-supporting services in the study area. The dependence on the natural resources-based economic activity has been reduced, which has resulted in reduction of jobs, forcing the people to migrate. In the changing circumstances, 36 per cent households depend on far off places for their livelihood. Scheduled caste and scheduled tribe population has a greater participation in the migration process. However, as a result of migration, the annual income as well as the food consumption of migrant households have become better than those of the non-migrant landless and marginal farm households. Some policy interventions have been suggested to minimize migration and generate employment opportunities in the long-run.