Effect of rural-urban youth migration on rural farm families and rural development in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of rural-urban youth migration on rural farm families and rural development in Rivers State, Nigeria. A  multistage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of 360 respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of  structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Data were analyzed using Varimax rotated factor analysis, mean score and ordinary  least square regression analysis. Findings revealed four principal effects of rural-urban youth migration on rural farm families and rural  development to include decline in rural economy (factor 1), underdevelopment and high labour cost (factor 2), decline in standard of  living and agriculture labour force (factor 3) and low agricultural productivity (factor 4). The major strategies for reduction of rural-urban  youth migration include establishment of agro-allied industries and factories (X̄ = 3.25), organizing skill acquisition and empowerment  programmes(X̄ = 3.25), provision of basic social amenities (X̄ = 3.22),establishment of recreational facilities (X̄ = 3.16)and  establishment of appropriate rural development programmes (X̄ = 3.15). The ordinary least square regression analysis showed that a  significant relationship exists between the socioeconomic characteristics of rural-urban youths and the effects of rural-urban youth migration suffered. The study recommends that government should ensure that social infrastructures, establishment of agro-allied  industries, skill acquisition and empowerment programmes as well as sitting of higher institutions are put in place to improve the quality  of life in the rural areas.