Non-migration Decision despite Climate Risks in the Southwestern Coastal Bangladesh

Experiencing adverse climatic effects and impacts, thousands of vulnerable people in developing countries willingly prefer not to migrate from disaster-prone zones. However, while this non-migration decision depicts a firm policy issue, a handful of empirical studies have been performed. It is indispensable to discover why they did not migrate, although they have decisive push factors to be migrants. This study contributes to the existing literature by empirically assessing the factors affecting non-migration behavior, considering both voluntary and involuntary non-migrants. Applying a systematic random sampling from 17 villages of two coastal districts- Satkhira and Khulna, 577 respondents were selected. Deploying Generalized Structural Equation Model (GSEM) with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) as analytical tools, major findings of this study suggest that voluntary non-migrants (85% of total respondents) appeared to enjoy the significant advantage of accessing to different local natural resources such as- farming, timber collection and grass collection which motivated them to stay in their localities willingly. Furthermore, the psychological view positively impacts voluntary non-migration decisions as better income prospects, affordable living costs in concerned places, financial help after natural disasters, better social capital, and skill to stay in concerned places encourage people to live in their place.

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