Livelihood Strategy of Migrant Agricultural Household in Cilacap Central Java

¹ Departement of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 55183
² Departement of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia, 57126

^* Corresponding author: Cahyo.wisnu@umy.ac.id

Abstract

Migration has long served as a critical livelihood strategy, enabling people to seek better wages when opportunities in their current location become scarce. Remittances—money sent back home by migrants—significantly boost household income and play a vital role in the economies of their home regions. This research investigates the remittances sent by migrant workers, how they are used within household dynamics, and whether they help elevate families into higher income categories. Data for this study was gathered from August 21 to August 31, 2023, using primary sources. The research employed purposive sampling, resulting in a sample of 168 families. A wealth ranking exercise was used to analyze poverty and understand rural livelihoods in developing countries, classifying households into low, middle, and high-income groups. For middle and high-income families, remittances are the largest source of income, averaging USD 2,790.25 for middle-income and USD 7,994.80 for high-income households. These remittances enable families to meet a broader range of needs, improve their quality of life, ensure future financial stability, and enhance their capabilities and investments, strengthening their potential to improve their socio-economic status.