Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Rural-urban migration is a phenomenon that has significant impacts on agricultural production in many developing countries. This research project aims to explore the effect of rural-urban migration on agricultural production in a specific region. The study will analyze the various factors driving rural-urban migration and how these factors influence agricultural activities in rural areas. The research will involve a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data will be collected from official sources such as national census data, agricultural production statistics, and migration trends. Qualitative data will be gathered through interviews with farmers, rural migrants, agricultural experts, and local authorities. The study will investigate the impact of rural-urban migration on the agricultural labor force in the region. It will analyze how the outflow of rural labor to urban areas affects farm productivity, land cultivation, and overall agricultural output. The research will also explore the role of remittances from urban migrants in supporting rural households engaged in agriculture. Furthermore, the project will examine the social and demographic changes resulting from rural-urban migration and their implications for agricultural development. It will assess the effects of migration on rural communities, including changes in family structures, social networks, and community dynamics. The research will also investigate the challenges faced by remaining farmers in the wake of migration, such as labor shortages and lack of agricultural knowledge transfer. In addition, the study will explore potential policy interventions to mitigate the negative effects of rural-urban migration on agricultural production. It will assess the effectiveness of existing government programs aimed at supporting rural farmers and encouraging youth to engage in agriculture. The research will also identify best practices and lessons learned from other regions facing similar challenges. Overall, this research project will contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between rural-urban migration and agricultural production. By identifying the key drivers and impacts of migration on agriculture, the study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers working in the field of rural development and food security.

Thesis 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.