Rural to urban migration, place attachment, and support to the place of origin in Pokhara Nepal

Abstract

This study reveals the rural migrants support to their gaun in respect to place attachment. This study aims to explore internal migrants’ support to their gaun (place of origin) who are currently associated with samas (migrants’ associations) as urban dwellers at current place of living that is Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal. It also identified their rural to urban migration, place attachment and support to the place of origin. This study has been set out in a culturally diversified settlement of internal migrants at Pokhara Metropolitan City Ward Number 13, Kaski, Nepal. Out of 22 Samajs which were found by internal migrants at current place of living, 14 samajs were selected purposively and 301 households were proportionately selected using systematic random sampling. And respondents were selected conveniently. Explorative and descriptive research design was applied because it explained the supporting situation by the migrants. Place attachment was examined on the basis of their supports on infrastructure, education, income generating activities, sharing of ideas and networking for rural development. Respondents having monthly income less than average, those who were not related to political parties and janajatis visit their gaun frequently. By applying multiple linear regression test; sex, caste/ ethnicity (Brahmin and Chhetri), religion, types of family, numbers of the family members, education, occupation, monthly family income, political participation, distance by road (in travelling hours) between current place of living and gaun and land at gaun have positively significant association on support. Furthermore, it also found that in-terms of caste/ethnicity (with reference to Brahmin and Chhteri), frequency of visit at gaun during last 12 months and monthly income of the households were found determinants of support. These findings revealed that place attachment was admirable and migrants involved maintaining old social networks as well as in maintaining attachment to their gaun with money, shramdan, materials and networking are also be concerning source of rural development. Migrants were supporting their gaun from the city in the past and will have support in the future too.