Analysis of Factors that affected the Migrant Farm Laborers Welfare Level to Easy of Education Access for Children

Abstract

Migrating as farm laborers is a livelihood strategy for people living in localities with limited available employment, particularly those with poor education, low skills, and without economic capital or land. Poverty is common among such households, raising the important question as to the most critical factors affecting family welfare. This study conducts such an analysis in a region hosting a large number of migrant farm laborers: Kacinambun Village, Tigapanah Subdistrict, Karo District, Indonesia. Based on analysis of secondary sources, interviews and observations with members of migrant households (resident at least ten years), village head, land owners and other employers of migrant labor, the study finds that the levels of family welfare generally improved significant after migrating. Quantitative improvement was found in eight indicators: income, consumption or household expenses, home condition, home facility, family health, access to health services, access to education for children, and transportation facilities. The data identifies internal and external factors that were most influential in determining family welfare. Internal factors included the physical, mental emotional, spiritual, good psychological state of family members, and whether or not all family members worked to contribute to family income. External factors included the good geographical conditions in the destination village, which has fertile land and many job opportunities. This study is significant in underlining the importance of supporting migrant rural laborers not only through material and income support, but also through psychological and spiritual support: factors generally overlooked in the literature on rural migration.