The study was initiated in response to preliminary indications of noteworthy internal seasonal labour migration prevalence revealed during rapid scoping missions we carried out respectively in the Dry Zone, Shan State and the southeast, our current and intended target areas. Most notable were the numbers repeatedly quoted to us by villagers, anywhere from 30-60% of the village migrated. And for HELVETAS purposes, even more interesting, there seemed to be a departure and destination link between in particular these three areas of particular programmatic relevance for us. Upon follow up, we also discovered that overall it seemed little or no information was available on what we perceived was a potentially significant livelihood strategy for coping with poverty and indebtedness, Climate Change, landlessness among key challenges reported. These and more with considerable implications no matter what sector we work in.

After a rapid mapping and review of studies, reports and data available, we designed and carried out the study between October and December 2014 targeting sample townships in above mentioned 3 primary target areas of HELVETAS. Hence the scope of the study is relatively narrow - favouring taste testing over a full course meal.

Our aims were first and foremost to deepen our understanding and verify our preliminary assumptions within the framework of our own program development. However we also wanted to value work done to date, and in turn hope that in its own small way this study can help to bridge information gaps and provide at the very least indicative insights into this important livelihood dynamic and what may be happening on a larger scale in Myanmar.