When nomads become migrants: A case study of Mongolia

This study seeks to understand why Mongolian nomads have abandoned the centuries-old practice of grazing their herds in open pastures and migrated to the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. The research, conducted through structured interviews in 144 households in the ger district (a traditional Mongolian dwelling), focused on this group of former nomads. The study found that climate change, pasture degradation and livestock loss due to dzud (an extreme weather event) were the main reasons for rural-to-urban migration, and acted as push factors. Mining development, proximity to a large market and family issues played a lesser role and acted as pull factors. Most respondents said that moving to Ulaanbaatar did not bring the expected improvement in their material status.