Migration: A Dominant Livelihood Strategy — A Case Study of Two Districts in Assam

The livelihood strategies of rural and urban Assam have been analyzed with emphasis on the importance of migration in sustaining livelihoods. The analysis has been carried by qualitative method using data collected through random sample survey technique. It has tried to focus on how different categories of population by sex and by age have taken up migration as a way of living. Under the scenario of declining landholding-sizes, forests, rise in prices of inputs, reducing profit margins coupled with climatic changes, household economy is left with the only option of out-migration. The study has also looked into the livelihood of women and children who are left behind in the villages after the out-migration of male members. The study has listed some suggestions to overcome the problems in livelihood of rural and urban areas. These include development of horticulture, food processing units, handlooms and textile sector, development of livestock-farming, fisheries, poultry, silkworm breeding, etc. and increasing access to credit and market information. Organization of trainings, including for vocational courses would help in skill development of the younger generation.