Migration resettlement rural-urban politics

Selected Asian countries. vol. II

The main objective of the Migration and Resettlement project undertaken by SW DCAP was to concentrate on a few countries with similar characteristics to understand the patterns of migration and resettlement and suggest a reformulation of needed policies in interrelating the development of the rural and urban areas. India, Philip pines and Thailand were the rice-hinterland countries selected for this purpose within our limited time and re sources.

However, in understanding the problems of these countries and suggesting policy revisions, it was useful to take into consideration the unique experiences of some other countries in the region. Indonesia has had a long history of transmigration and has now begun to revise it's implementation strategies. Nepal has the very interest ing phenomenon of planned moves from the hills to the lowland regions with little growth in the urban area. Korea is regarded with great interest by the other Asian countries who have noted the very rapid industrialization and urbanization of Seoul with significant social conse quences. Sri Lanka on the other hand claims to have the unique experience of an attempt to balance population distribution associated with several income redistribution measures.

The authors have taken considerable pains to present their country's experience in a way that poses relevant questions for other countries faced with similar situations. In succeeding volumes, we focus attention on India, Phil ippines and Thailand followed by workshop deliberations leading to suggested action for policy revision.