Go west? Emigration intentions of young Bulgarian agricultural specialists. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Traikova, Diana; Möllers, Judith; Petrick, Martin
• Is Part Of: Journal of rural studies. Volume 62(2018)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Farm skilled labor -- Rural migration -- International migration intentions -- Theory of planned behavior -- Structural equations model; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Country life -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; Land use, Rural -- Planning -- Periodicals; Rural conditions -- Periodicals; Sociologie rurale -- Périodiques; Vie rurale -- Périodiques; Développement rural -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation agricole du -- Planification -- Périodiques; Conditions rurales -- Périodiques; Country life; Land use, Rural -- Planning; Rural conditions; Rural development; Sociology, Rural; Periodicals; 307.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2018.07.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-0167

Abstract

Abstract: Western Europe is one of the main destinations for young emigrants coming from Eastern Europe. While most migrants want to move into urban areas, this paper explores in detail the motivational make-up of those targeting international rural destinations. Specifically, we look at the motivation behind the intentions of soon-to-graduate students of agriculture in Bulgaria to move into rural areas in Germany for high-skilled farm work. The formation of migration intentions is depicted along the lines of the Theory of Planned Behavior in a Structural Equation Model. The paper takes a pioneer step in identifying, operationalizing and analyzing the background factors driving the international migration decisions of high-skilled farm specialists. The quantitative survey results highlight general economic motives, such as the desire for better earnings and to avoid unemployment at home, as crucial for the attractiveness of a possible move. With regard to their future career in agriculture, the respondents wished to learn how to run their own farm, take managerial responsibility for a farm, and saw emigration as an opportunity to work with animals. Non-economic aspects such as the desire to escape corruption, or lifestyle considerations were overall not significant, although migration decision-making is influenced by the opinion of the core family. The main perceived barriers for potential migration are a lack of language skills and fear of difficult integration in the host country. Highlights: Scarcity of trained agricultural specialists in rural areas of some countries. International labor migration might solve the problem. Migration intentions indicate potential migrant groups. Generally low migration propensity among senior agriculture students in Bulgaria. Money and expected skill gains are the main migration motives.