The Role of Agriculture in Demographic Changes in Bamyan Province, Afghanistan: Sociological Perspective
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Abstract
This study investigates the influence of agriculture on demographic changes in Bamyan Province. Its objectives include analyzing the economic impact on the population, exploring migration patterns, examining demographic shifts, identifying challenges and opportunities for development, and offering policy recommendations for sustainability. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research involved 400 randomly selected farmers for quantitative data, complemented by focus groups and interviews with 20 experts and educated individuals. Ethical standards and confidentiality were maintained through informed consent. Findings indicate that agriculture, as the primary livelihood, faces challenges such as drought, declining yields, and limited government support, which negatively affect farmers’ quality of life. After the fall of the republic, agricultural activity increased mainly due to economic necessity and migration back to rural areas amid urban unemployment and economic crises. However, migration to cities and abroad continues because of limited job opportunities and security issues. Climate change and inadequate support further threaten agricultural sustainability, significantly impacting Bamyan’s economic and demographic landscape.
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