2016年-世界发展银行全球_A_Country_on_the_Move___Domestic_Migration_in_Two_Regions_of_Myanmar_55页_1mb

Summary of A Country on the Move: Domestic Migration in Two Regions of Myanmar

Core Content

This document presents a qualitative and quantitative study on domestic migration in the Ayeyarwady and Magway regions of Myanmar, conducted between 2014 and 2015 as part of the Qualitative Social and Economic Monitoring (QSEM) thematic study. The research explores the patterns, motivations, and impacts of migration on both individuals and communities, particularly in the context of Myanmar's economic transition and urbanization.

Main Points

• Economic Transformation: Myanmar's economy has shifted from agriculture toward industry and services, creating urban employment opportunities that influence migration patterns.
• Migration Trends: Migration has increased significantly since 2011, especially among the landless and land-poor, who are more likely to migrate due to limited income-generating options in rural areas.
• Migration Characteristics: Migrants are predominantly young, male, and better educated than their peers. They tend to migrate to urban centers like Yangon and Mandalay, often finding informal sector jobs in construction, restaurants, and tea shops.
• Migration Types: The study identifies three main types of migration:
  • Risk Management: Migrants seek stable income to manage subsistence and economic shocks.
  • Shock Response: Households affected by adverse events (e.g., health issues, crop damage, Cyclone Nargis) are more likely to migrate.
  • Upwardly Mobile: Households with assets (land, education) use migration to improve their socio-economic status, often through formal education and international migration.
• Key Influences: Migration decisions are influenced by a mix of push and pull factors, including earnings differentials, job availability, and working conditions. Social networks play a critical role in facilitating migration and reducing perceived risks.
• Constraints and Enablers: Financial and social costs are major constraints, while accessible transportation, communication technology, and social networks act as enablers.
• Impact on Households and Communities: Migration affects the social and economic fabric of sending areas, particularly by increasing responsibilities for those left behind and altering local labor markets. Remittances are primarily used for basic needs and debt reduction, with limited investment in productive assets.

Key Findings

• Migration Rates: Approximately one in four households in Ayeyarwady and one in five in Magway are affected by migration.
• Gender Differences: Men are more likely to migrate than women in both regions, though women constitute at least one-third of all migrants.
• Regional Differences:
  • Ayeyarwady migrants are more likely to migrate to Yangon, which is perceived as a more reliable destination.
  • Magway migrants are more likely to engage in both domestic and international migration.
• Economic Impact: Despite high migration rates, there are not yet significant observable economic impacts on sending households due to the prevalence of low-skilled, low-wage jobs.
• Social Impact: Migration leads to increased responsibilities for those left behind, especially in households with migrants. It also affects the composition of labor in sending areas, particularly the availability of casual labor.

Recommendations

• Support Risk Management: Interventions should focus on improving risk management strategies for migrant households, including access to education and training.
• Enhance Social Networks: Strengthening social networks can help migrants secure jobs and reduce the psychological burden of migration.
• Improve Access to Information: Enhancing access to job information and vocational training can support better migration decisions.
• Facilitate Integration: Programs should assist migrants in integrating into urban labor markets and those returning to re-integrate into their communities.
• Promote Diversified Livelihoods: Encouraging diversified income sources in rural areas can reduce the need for migration and improve livelihood resilience.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of domestic migration in Myanmar's transition from a rural to an urban economy. While migration serves as a coping mechanism for many households, it also presents challenges in terms of risk, social impact, and economic sustainability. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing inclusive and effective migration policies that support both migrants and their communities.