Socio-Economic Effects of Gungtong on Rural Communities

A Case Study of Bartsham and Kengkhar Gewogs in Eastern Bhutan

Abstract

In Bhutan, the phenomenon of vacant or abandoned homes, locally known as 'gungtong,' has become increasingly prevalent, reflecting the rapid urbanization of the country's rural villages. The 2017 Population and Housing Census of Bhutan (PHCB) recorded over 4,800 unoccupied or abandoned dwellings in rural areas, highlighting the growing trend of deserted rural properties and its multifaceted implications for the socio-economic and environmental well-being of local communities. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effects of gungtong on Bhutan's rural population, with a specific focus on both its underlying causes and resulting consequences.

The study centers its examination on the communities of Kengkhar in Mongar and Bartsham in Trashigang, strategically chosen due to their substantial concentration of gungtong. Employing purposive sampling, respondents from these regions were selected for participation, and data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews. The collected qualitative data underwent rigorous thematic analysis to discern key patterns and insights.

The findings reveal that the primary causes of gungtong are closely intertwined with educational and employment factors. Young individuals exhibit diminished interest in pursuing traditional agricultural livelihoods, often leading to their migration away from rural areas either as dependent family members or due to marriage-related factors. The ramifications experienced by rural communities due to gungtong encompass financial strain on those left behind, agricultural crop damage caused by wildlife, labour shortages, and a decline in overall community vibrancy. Additionally, the research sheds light on the various coping strategies employed by rural residents and their perspectives on the potential for return migration.