Migration Motivation of Grobogan Regency Farmers for Sustainable Livelihoods

Abstract

Abstract Farmers of Grobogan Regency strive for better livelihood when their agricultural productivity is unstable. The decision to do out migration is caused by several factors, most dominantly of economic reasons. This article aims to investigates the migration motive of Grobogan farmers to a sustainable livelihood. By conducting a quantitative research method, a set of questionnaire distribution and observations were conducted in Karangrayung, Kedungjati and Tanggungharjo subdistricts. Results show that there are several motivations for migrant famers. First, the continuing decrease of agricultural productivity is inadequate to support family quality of life. Second, more employment opportunities outside Grobogan Regency encourages them to have additional job in informal sectors. Third, to access the informal employment, the farmers do not acquire special skills, so that is easier for the farmers to be accepted for temporary jobs. Not only that, this study also recommends that the migration mobility is a bi-local migration that is happened only every 2-3 months, after the cultivation period ends. In conclusion, the Grobogan Regency needs to elaborate more practical policy implementation for agricultural intensification and provides more vocational trainings to have the migrant farmers be competitive for employment opportunities.