Seasonal Migration and Rural Transformation: An Empirical Study of Tribal Youth in Nandurbar District, Maharashtra

Seasonal migration has become a significant livelihood strategy among tribal youth in rural India, particularly in structurally vulnerable districts. This study examines the determinants and socio-economic implications of seasonal migration among tribal youth in Nandurbar, a predominantly tribal region characterised by agrarian instability and limited non-farm employment opportunities. Using primary data collected from 150 tribal youth across selected talukas, the research applies descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression to analyse migration patterns and associated factors.

The findings reveal that 61.3% of the respondents engaged in seasonal migration during the reference year. Landholding size and household income emerged as significant predictors of migration, with youth from landless and marginal households being substantially more likely to migrate. Low educational attainment and household debt further increased migration probability. While migration generated average seasonal remittances that contributed to short-term consumption enhancement, it did not significantly improve longterm asset accumulation. Additionally, migration was associated with increased agricultural and domestic workload among women in migrant households, indicating gendered social consequences.

The study concludes that seasonal migration among tribal youth in Nandurbar district is primarily distress-driven rather than opportunity-driven, reflecting structural vulnerabilities in rural development. Although migration provides temporary economic relief, it does not fundamentally transform livelihood insecurity. The paper emphasises the need for placebased development strategies focusing on agricultural strengthening, employment diversification, skill development and labour protection to address the structural roots of tribal youth migration.