IMPACT OF RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITIES

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the impact of rural-urban migration on the development of rural communities in Egor Local Government Area. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. A total of two hundred (200) rural dwellers from four (4) rural communities in Egor Local Government Area were used for the study selected census sampling techniques. The major instrument used for this study was the questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed and validated by experts in the department of Adult and NonFormal Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as, tables, frequency counts, percentages and mean score analysis. The criterion means of 2.50 was used for decision making. Findings from this study among others revealed that Poverty, lack of access to basic amenities, lack of quality education and the desire for improved living condition and quality of life are the causes of Rural-Urban Migration in Egor Local Government Area. It was further revealed that rural-urban migration has impacted on the social development of rural communities in Egor Local Government Area by causing a decline in healthcare services, making rural areas boring and unattractive to people, and contributing to a decline in community participations in rural areas. Rural-urban migration has also impacted on the economic development of rural communities in Egor Local Government Area by causing decline in agricultural productivity and food security, increasing the community wealth and economic output through tourism and festivals and leading to a drop in commercial activities in rural areas. It was recommended that the government should strengthen social services and community support networks, provide good education and health infrastructural facilities, provide loan and agricultural equipment for farmers. It was further recommended that promoting rural tourism and cultural heritage, and empowering rural communities through community based projects and initiatives would help address the issue of ruralurban migration in Egor Local Government Area.