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Household Harvesting, State Policy, and Migration: Evidence from the Survey of Living Conditions in the Arctic

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  • Matthew Berman

    (Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA)

Abstract

Household harvesting of wild fish and game contributes to food security in indigenous communities across the Arctic, and in some regions plays an important role in cultural identity of indigenous peoples. The degree to which the state regulates harvesting and restricts distribution of country foods varies widely, however, and this intervention in local economies can affect livelihood opportunities. The paper hypothesizes that where state policy has contributed to harvesting remaining a culturally embedded livelihood strategy, its contribution to the quality of life may influence people to remain in rural communities, despite potentially lower material living standards. Lacking such a cultural linkage, harvesting may become the employer of last resort for people unable to find paying jobs or leave declining communities for a better life elsewhere. The paper examines the association between Survey of Living Conditions in the Arctic (SLiCA) respondents’ intent to remain in their community of residence and household harvesting, cash income from work, and other relevant factors. The results include both similarities and differences for residents of arctic Alaska, arctic Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka. Systematic differences found appear consistent with the hypothesis about the role of household harvesting and state policy toward harvest and distribution of country foods.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Berman, 2021. "Household Harvesting, State Policy, and Migration: Evidence from the Survey of Living Conditions in the Arctic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:13:p:7071-:d:580796
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Peter Usher & Gérard Duhaime & Edmund Searles, 2003. "The Household as an Economic Unit in Arctic Aboriginal Communities, and its Measurement by Means of a Comprehensive Survey," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 61(2), pages 175-202, February.
    2. Lee Huskey & Matthew Berman & Alexandra Hill, 2004. "Leaving home, returning home: Migration as a labor market choice for Alaska Natives," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 38(1), pages 75-92, March.
    3. Konstantin Klokov, 2007. "Reindeer husbandry in Russia," International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 4(6), pages 726-784.
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