Seasonal Migration and Farmland Management: An Exploration of Their Linkage on Smallholder Farmers in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

In the semi‐arid and arid land Waghimra district, Northern Ethiopia, there is a growing trend where members of farm households spend parts of the year working in cities and other agriculturally high‐potential rural areas to generate additional income. Yet, no research has examined the impacts of this seasonal migration on farmland management. This study explores the role of seasonal migration and remittances on sustainable land management (SLM) practice in the drought‐affected Waghimra district. Data was collected through a household survey, semi‐structured interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). The finding showed that drought and rainfall irregularities are initiating migration by interacting with non‐environmental factors, such as land shortage, landlessness, and lack of oxen. Remittance and migration earnings are primarily invested in basic household consumption, rather than agricultural inputs. This qualitative study showed that seasonal migration, in this context, does not lead to improved land management and may even exacerbate challenges for women left behind. Seasonal migration does not contribute to improved farmland management and the use of agricultural inputs like fertiliser, pesticides, and improved seeds. Male seasonal migration has transferred the already degraded and less productive farm to the women left behind. However, labour, input, and skill limitations are challenges for women. This study recommends that SLM policies consider mobile households who portion their labour between farm and seasonal migration. Moreover, an understanding of land management in the context of decisions made by women left behind and mobile male household heads (HHs) whose remittance is invested in other than soil and agricultural inputs is essential.