Rural-Rural Migration in a Rural Village, Luang Prabang Province, Northern Laos: Focusing Both on Immigration and Emigration in the Village of HB

Abstract

This study revealed the demographic characteristics of rural regions of Laos from the perspective of rural–rural migration of the population focusing both on immigration and emigration in the village of HB, Luang Prabang province. The results showed that both social changes associated with rural–rural migration, such as relocation policies and marriage migration, and natural changes after migration have a significant impact on population dynamics. In order to maximize the livelihood potential in destination villages, migrants consider the possibility of acquiring new farmland, the accessibility of farmland in their previous village, and the availability of kinship networks. The reason for active rural migration is that there is no significant change in livelihoods, mainly agriculture, before and after migration, and therefore migrants are able to continue supporting themselves. However, lowland rice paddies are limited. When it is difficult for relocated households to produce enough rice to sustain their families, they aim to earn cash by migrating to cities.