The Impact of Migration on Poverty and Income Distribution in a Rural Region in Turkey

This article aims to explain the impact of migration from Emirdag − a rural migrant area in Turkey − on poverty and income distribution in the district center and 53 villages. We used the household data in this research, knowing that international remittances are the most important source of income after agriculture in the region. Data were collected from 2841 migrant and non-migrant sample in 1686 households. The differences in the economic conditions of households impacted by migration and remittances were evaluated in reference to their pre-migration status. Migration preferences of households, preferences in the use of remittances and skills in making use of the opportunities brought by migration were determined to be the main variables that influence poverty and income distribution in the district and its villages. The data showed that migration increased the probability that an increase occurs in the income of poor migrant households. Migration also increased the probability that high-income non-migrant households that were not able to make use of the indirect migration opportunities lost income. Migration and remittances are likely to decrease poverty and improve income distribution in favour of middle-income households.