Challenging situations experienced by mothers in seasonal agricultural migration and their coping strategies: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Mothers participating in seasonal agricultural migration constitute one of the most vulnerable groups in society, as they must cope with the challenges of working long hours in the fields while simultaneously bearing the responsibility of meeting all their families’ needs at home.

METHODS

This study, designed using a descriptive phenomenological approach, aims to understand the challenges that seasonal agricultural worker mothers living in southeastern Türkiye face during migration and their coping strategies. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews in August–September 2024 in the communal accommodation areas of migrant seasonal agricultural workers participating in the hazelnut harvest in northern Türkiye. The data from 20 mothers who voluntarily participated in the study were analyzed using the MAXQDA 2022 software.

RESULTS

The findings indicate that mothers primarily experience difficulties related to environmental conditions, including challenging living and working conditions, health problems, and time scarcity. Gender-based responsibilities and economic concerns (such as debt and uncertainty about the future) were also identified as key challenges faced by the participants. Mothers’ coping strategies were categorized into three groups: restorative coping mechanisms, health-depleting responses, and protective emotional withdrawal. Additionally, their emotional experiences were classified into two main categories: positive emotions (love and a sense of protection) and negative emotions (helplessness, exhaustion, anger, and hopelessness).

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed seasonal agricultural migration’s profound and multifaceted impact on mothers. These physical, psychological, and social challenges negatively affect not only mothers but also their families’ quality of life, necessitating comprehensive interventions to enhance relational and structurally shaped resilience and improve living conditions.