Why is land so important to these people in the Grapes of Wrath?

In "The Grapes of Wrath," land is crucial to the Joad family and other migrants as it represents their livelihood and sustenance. Land provides the opportunity for farming, which is their means of survival. Additionally, owning land symbolizes independence and stability, offering a sense of security and belonging in a time of great uncertainty and upheaval. The struggle for land reflects the broader theme of economic injustice and the exploitation of labor during the Great Depression.