Resettlement Migration: A Case Study in Dulan Tibetan and Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, Western China

Abstract

Western China is an area which has experienced some of the most serious natural disasters in the world, as it is frequently hit by abnormal and widespread environmental disasters, which has led to increased poverty among its population. This research examines the relationship between environmental deterioration, poverty and resettlement migration. The study focuses on the region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in western China which is inhabited by one of the largest minority cultures in China, specifically the Tibetans. These minorities tend to live in regions that are typical areas of ecological degradation and economic backwardness. Resettlement migration has been one of the adaptation mechanisms instigated by government to combat environmental degradation and reduce poverty. Two case studies were selected in Qinghai Province, Ledu County as an out-migration area and Dulan County as an in-migration area. A mixed methods approach was used which employed a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Data provided by local government in relation to resettlement migration in both areas of origin and destination, were invaluable to establish the role and function of Government. In the Qinghai migration area, the survey found that migrants move out of their former place of residence due to poor natural environments and favourable policy conditions. The survey identified some outstanding problems among the migrants, including their changed livelihood and incomes after migration, cultural changes and the adaptation of minorities in the migration process. The economic situation of migrants changed significantly after migration, indicating that the economic recovery of migrant families was largely influenced by their social and economic characteristics. In some settings it was found that the lives of migrants were still impoverished after migration and that many of them failed to adapt to new technologies associated with changed agricultural pursuits. However, overall, this research found that the resettlement migration project in Qinghai province was a good solution to improve the lives of poor rural populations and to promote environmental recovery. Finally, the study proposes possible risk aversion approaches and relevant policies in relation to government subsidies and compensation.