RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION AND IT’S SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT IN BIRNIN-GWARI, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Abstract

This study examined rural–urban migration and its socio-economic impact in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study focused on the causes of rural–urban migration, its economic and social impacts, its effects on household income and living standards, the challenges associated with rural–urban migration among youths, and measures that could be adopted to reduce excessive migration. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A total of 384 questionnaires were administered across the eleven districts of Birnin-Gwari, out of which 379 were retrieved and 369 were properly completed and considered valid for analysis. Data collected through the questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages and tables. The findings revealed that business opportunities constituted the major reported reason for rural–urban migration, accounting for 44.4% of respondents, while security concerns accounted for 24.1%, better social amenities 17.6%, and marriage/family reunion 12.7%. The findings further showed that 85.9% of respondents agreed that lack of employment opportunities encourages migration, while low agricultural income and inadequate access to quality education were also identified as important factors. The study found that rural–urban migration has both positive and negative socio-economic consequences. On the positive side, migration can provide employment, business opportunities, alternative sources of income and remittances that contribute to poverty reduction and improved household living standards. On the negative side, the movement of working-age members reduces rural labour availability, affects agricultural productivity and negatively influences household welfare. Specifically, 92.3% of respondents agreed that the absence of working-age family members negatively affects household welfare, while 76.0% acknowledged that migration has contributed to poverty reduction among some households. The study concludes that rural–urban migration in Birnin-Gwari is largely influenced by economic, social and security conditions and that it produces both beneficial and adverse socio-economic outcomes. The study recommends the creation of employment opportunities, improvement of agricultural productivity and income, provision of rural infrastructure and social amenities, establishment of vocational and skills acquisition centres, government support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and greater use of community-based development initiatives to reduce distress-driven migration.