Abstract
While migration is widely recognized as a valid option for improving farmers' income, the welfare effects of migration on left-behind family members are ambiguous. This study examines the impacts of migration on left-behind family members' food consumption and nutrient intake, particularly in remote rural areas in China. Based on household survey data collected from 611 smallholder rubber farmers in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture of southwestern China, the empirical results suggest that the migration of family members contributes to improving household net income, whereas it negatively affects left-behind family members' consumption of grain and pork. Migration also leads to a decrease in left-behind family members' nutrient intake. Surprisingly, the economic returns of farmers' migration not only do not foster the transformation of household food consumption from a staple food-dominated dietary structure to one including more meat and dairy products but also reduce left-behind family members' nutrient intake. This study adds to the literature on the impact of farmers' migration. The findings have important implications for better understanding the impacts of migration on farmers' livelihood and human capital development in rural China.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
