Social Network, Seasonal Migration and Changes in the Livelihood Pattern : A Study of a Particular Haor Area of Bangladesh

The North-Eastern region of Bangladesh is comprised of low-lying haor areas. Due to its geographical lineament, such as regular seasonal inundation for almost half of the year, the haor areas become a land of mono-crop cultivation. Fishing is left the only job to do during the period of inundation for those who do not have any permanent non-agricultural job. People who fail to manage fishing paraphernalia find themselves unemployed and forced to migrate temporarily to other parts of the country in quest of a job. A household census data of Baniachong Upazila of Habiganj district has been analyzed to see the socio-economic impact of temporary seasonal migration on seasonally distressed haor dwellers. Findings show that seasonal migration has positive effects on employment, households’ earnings, savings, and food security. Most of the migrants migrated to cities and engaged in informal activities. The social network is one of the critical factors in getting access to migration and getting a job after reaching the destination. Some recommendations along with some economic, social, and psychological opportunity costs of migration are also discussed to facilitate access to migration for haor dwellers, especially marginalized