Project Abstract

Abstract
Rural-urban migration is a significant phenomenon that has far-reaching effects on various aspects of society, including agricultural production. This research project focuses on investigating the impact of rural-urban migration on agricultural production in developing countries. The study aims to analyze how the migration of rural laborers to urban areas affects agricultural productivity, land use, and overall food security. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews and surveys to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between rural-urban migration and agricultural production. Data on migration patterns, agricultural output, land utilization, and rural livelihoods will be collected from selected regions to assess the magnitude of migration and its implications for agricultural activities. One of the key areas of focus is the labor dynamics in rural areas following migration. The research will investigate how the outflow of labor from rural communities impacts farming practices, labor availability, and technological adoption in agriculture. By examining changes in agricultural productivity and land management practices, the study aims to identify the challenges and opportunities that arise from rural-urban migration. Furthermore, the research will explore the socio-economic factors driving rural-urban migration and their effects on agriculture. Factors such as limited employment opportunities in rural areas, aspirations for higher education and better living standards, and access to social services in urban centers will be investigated to understand the push and pull factors influencing migration decisions. The study also aims to assess the role of government policies and interventions in mitigating the adverse effects of rural-urban migration on agricultural production. By evaluating existing policies related to agriculture, rural development, and migration, the research will provide insights into potential strategies for enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices in the context of rural-urban migration. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing literature on rural-urban migration and agricultural production by examining the complex interactions between migration patterns, agricultural activities, and rural livelihoods. The findings of the study are expected to inform policymakers, development practitioners, and stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities arising from rural-urban migration and guide the formulation of effective strategies to promote agricultural development and food security in developing countries.

Project Overview

This study examined the effect of rural-urban migration on agricultural production in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the migrational trend in the study area. The study assessed rural farmers and migrants responses to migrational trends, category of migrants, reasons for migration and effects of migration on agriculture Data were obtained from 56 non-migrants and 55 migrants that were purposive sampled. 6 villages in the study area comprised the population and also constitutes the random sample. The instrument used was a structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Data analyzed revealed that in terms of gender, male migrate mostly and the current migrational pattern in the study area is rural-urban migration and rural-rural migration. Result showed an above average response to youths as the category of people that migrates to urban areas while responses to children and aged people were below average. The category of people that migrates largely influence the effectiveness of agricultural productivity (x2t = 18.14, xi2 = 7.815, df= 3, p = 0.05). There is a significant relationship between socio economic characteristics of migrant and number of people that migrants out of the rural areas at (R2 = 0.74, F obtained = 4..575, DW = 2.03, P = 0.00 <0.005). The results showed that education (0.003) farm size (0.17) household size (.000) are the major determinants of migration while marital status (.334), income (.078) gender (.949) and age (.115) has inverse relationship with migration. The study encourages governmental and non-governmental agency to make the rural areas attractive in order to reduce the stemming out of able bodies people to urban in order to sustain food sufficiency and security by governmental non-governmental agency. Loans should be provided and given to the targeted non-migrant as well as provision of subsidize and appropriate technology, adequate extension service and access to mechanization to reduce drudgery in agricultural sectors. Agricultural planning in the State should be done from a good data base through good and adequate agro-statistics gathering, processing and storage/retrieval, implementation and impact assessments.

Loans should be provided and given to the targeted non-migrant as well as provision of subsidize and appropriate technology, adequate extension service and access to mechanization to reduce drudgery in agricultural sectors. Agricultural planning in the State should be done from a good database through good and adequate agro-statistics gathering, processing and storage/retrieval, implementation and impact assessments.