University of Nigeria
Research Publications
OGBOCHIE, Andrew Nnabuchi Author PG/M.SC/2005/39977
Rural Migration and the Development of Isi-Uzo LGA of
Title Enugu State
Social Sciences Faculty
Public Administration And Local Government Department
August, 2007 Date
Signature
RURAL MIGRATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISI- UZO LOCAL GOVERNMENTPREA, ENUGU STATE
OGBOCHIE, ANDREW NNABUCHI [VEN) PG/M.Sc./05/39977
QEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONt AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
AUGUST, 2007 TITLE PAGE
RURAL MIGRATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISI-UZO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ENUGU STATE
A THESIS SUBMITTED INTHE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF M.Sc DEGREE INPUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT II
CERTIFICATLON
rhis project was supervised and approved as having met the requirements of the Department of Public Administration and Locaf
Government for the Award of Master of Science (M.Sc) Degree.
Dr. 'Chikelue Ofuebe Supervisor I-lead of Department APPROVAL PAGE
This research study has been approved for the Department of
Pu blid Administration and Local Government.
- f'
C. y/',/------A&------m- ExteGr Dean, ~acult~af Social Science DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to God Almighty who not only created but endowed me with his wisdom. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It was not easy to have finished my academic work at this level but Gob used some people for this attainment.
First of all, my indebtedness and gratitude goes to God
Almighty for his magnanimity. He did not aylow stress, distance and other obstacles to be a barrier rather he saw me through to the end.
My unreserved appreclatlon and gratitude go to my supervisor,
Dr. Chikelue Ofuebe who went beyond a call of duty to make this work a successful reality. He went beyond being a supervisor to become a counsellor and a spiritual director to me. I am indeed grateful to him.
I want also to appreciate the Vice Chancellor of the University,
Ven Prof. Chinedu Nebo for all his efforts in transforming the
University, morally, structural!y and academically,
All my lecturers in the Department of Public Administration and
Local Government are appreciated.
My colleagues are also appreciated. We have tried to be our brother's keeper by encouraging hard work, independence and
~xcelrence.My family has indeed played a role model. TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page - = i
Certific3tion - i i
Approval Page = iii
Dedication = = iv
Acknowledgement v
Table of Ccntents v i
ListofTabTes = vii
Abstract = - i x
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction 1
Background of the Study 1
Statement of the Problem 17
Objective ~f the Study 20
Signifi1cance of the Study 20
Scope and Limitations of the Study 22
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH METHOD
d - - - 2. Literature Review ------. 25
2.2 Understanding Migration and Development = = 25
2.3 Theoretical Framework - - - - = 39
2.4 Method of Data Gathering = - - - = 42 vii
2.5 Method of Data Analysis = - - - = 43
2.6 Hypothesis ------= 44
2.7 Operationalization of the Key Concept in the
Hypothesis ------= 47
2.8 Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussion = = 49
CHAPTER THREE
The Study Area/General information
Eha-Arnufu ---
Tkem - -
Development - = Rural Derebpment
Migration = -
Population = =
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Data and Findings and Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION = 73
5.1 Summary = = - - - - - = 73
5.2 Recommendation - - - - - = 76
5.3 Conclusion ------= 79
RZBUOGRAPWY LIST OF TABLES
Table I: Age Bracket = - - - - = 63
Table 2: What is the level of Education of
those that Migrate? = - - - = 64
Table 3: Has Family Size Anything to do with Migration 66
Table 4: What is the Economic Background of the
Migrants? = = - - - - = 67
Table 5: Which Gender is mostly Associated with
Migration = - - - - - = 67
Table 6: What are the major means of the livelihood .
in the Community = --- - - = 68
Table 7; Mow Often does this Rural-Urban Migration
take Place = - =I - - - - = 69
Table 8: Does the Non-Availability of Social Amenities
Contribute to the Rate of Migration = = 70
Tabte 9: The get rich quick syndrome among the Youth Lead - to Rural-Urban Migration 5 = = 71 ABSTRACT
The problem of rural migration has been a topical issue overtime. The rate of mass movement of the most vibrant and energetic part of the rural population to the urban areas in search of the so-called greener pastures is alarming and this has in turn attracted the attention of many scholars and governments world-wide, and particularly in Isi-Uzo Local
Government Area and this forms the basis of this study entitled "The Rural Migration and the Development of Isi-Uzo
Local Government Area, Enugu State". -
From the above, therefore, this study examined the role which the moving away of the most vibrant and energetic part of the rural population has played in the developmental process of the rural communities in Enugu State.
A critical perspective of this study proves that since the
Nigerian independence in 1960, the issue of rural migration and development has become a paramount issue in Nigeria.
This is because It is Being increasingly realized that most of the talented and energetic young people, now prefer to reside in ~rbancenters rather than engage in any meaningful economic activities in their rural communities, This trend has a lot of negative economic misequences considering the predominantly rural nature of the Nigerlan economy.
However, the menace of the rural migration and its negative effect on the development of Isi-uzo Local
Government Area in particular and Nigeria in general, has not been without a reason. The vast majority of the rural dwellers feel isolated and marginalized by the disequilibrium in the sharing of sociaT infrastructures and amenities between the rural and urban centers. Although, a significant, proportion of the population IFves In the rural environr-rielit it is observed - that there is a high degree of rural development and, indeed apparent neglect in the country. Is!-uzo local government with wer 989b of its population in the rural areas is a typical case.
Many rural settlerne~ts in local government are remote, isolated and In many cases too, inaccessible.
The consequences and chaknges or rural migration is
Isi-Uzo are so many and I have throurr~ enormous responsibilities on both the government and rural dwellers in
Isi-Uzo, as well as on the policy makers, educationists and scientists for all to work as a team in an effort to remedy the anomalies. As a matter of fact, all the findings in the work, seem to support the assertion that the migration of the youths to the urban centers has seriously retarded the economic activ~tiesin the rural areas and that this has very seriously resulted to the underdevelopment of Isl-uso Local Government
Area and that also if this trend continues, it will lead to economic stagnation and lack of manpower in Isi-uzo Local
Government Area, Enugu State. CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The history OF migration is that of people's struggle to survive and to prosper, to escape insecurity and poverty and to move in response to opportunity. Migration Is not a panacea for development problems, but if properly managed. it can deliver major benefits in terms of development and poverty reduction. . (House af Common International Development Committee p. 3).
Rural migration is seen as a multi-dimensional phenomenon with considerable demographic, social, economic and political
implications in Nigeria In general and Isi Uzo Local Government Area
of Enugu State in particular. The issue of rural-urban migration an
the development pattern of the rural communities has become a
very crucial issue to our social development experts.
Migration is an age long phenomenon which has taken
different forms in different societies at different historical times, In
previous times in Africa, it took the form of mass movement of
people. Goison (1960 - 13 - 19). Migration involves change of
residence for the individual emigrant as well as for the society in
general. The economist, 3. K. Galbraith, described migration as "the oldest action against poverty". Worldwide, 175 million people, or just under three percent of the total, live outside their country of birth. Migration may be the exception rather than the rule, but it is increasing. It is already very important in terms of economic and politics, domestically and internationally and rural migrations establish between countries and local governments respectively.
Inspite of rural developmental efforts made in the country in general and Isi Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State in particular, in form of various development programmes, it 'has always shown that the consistent mass movement of the energetic and highly productive individuals which constitute the larger population of the rural dwellers has continued to remain a factor that has waged wars in favour of the continued existence of rural underdevelopment in Isi Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu
State.
During the British colonial government in Nigeria, the issue of rural-urban migration was less prominent because colonial masters emphasized more on the development of agriculture for the production of raw materials for the industries and cash crops for exports. (Arikpo, 1991 5).Based on the foregoing, rural areas were centers of attraction where these raw materials were gotten and 3 this ti-end made agriculture very predominant because it was attached with a lot of economic benefits for the vast majority of people living in the rural areas especially the youths.
ti7 addition, agricultural development and the relevance of
Agriculture have historically influenced the various development programmes such as:
Plantation agricultural development by various development
boards.
Farm settlement schemes for school leavers.
Government-owned faod companfes or corporations.
Operation Feed the Nation (OFN).
River Basin and Rural Development Authorities.
National Green Revolution
The World Bank-Assisted Agricultural Development
Programmes (ADP) and
(viii) The Directorate for Food, Road and Rural Infrastructure
(DFFRI) (Abash, 1988: 15).
Williams (1985) is of the opinion that before the period of
plantal:ion agricultural development, that what was mostly
obtainable was the use of simple instruments to till the soil and crop
cultivation to meet family needs. Though there was no organized research then, that Is evidence that conscious efforts were made to select high ylelding crops and thus improve agriculture. Most of our present day cultivated varieties in fact, are the result of conscious efforts by Our pioneer peasant farmers.
A department of Botanical Research was established in 1893 with headquarters at Olokomeji in the former Western Nigeria. This marks the beginning of government intervention on agriculture and the history of organized agriculture and forestry. The venture later failed as a result of inadequate funding and was abandoned in 1905.
The British Cotton Growing Association acquired four square miles of land at the site now known as moor-plantation, for the purpose of growing cotton for the British textile industry. This scheme was
abandoned because the welfare of the workers was not given
adequate attention.
Furthermore, following the amalgamation of North and South
protectorate a unified department of agriculture was established in
1921 and this was also regarded as a milestone which paved way
for the setting up of the necessary machinery for central plannlng
and policy making as well as for the formation of plantation
agricultural development by various development boards. These
boards geared great efforts towards increasing the production of export crops, primarily for the British market. This was done by using the trained rural agricultural extension agents who sensitized the youths and other rural dwellers on the need to engage in the production of cash crops for export. The objectives of the board included :
(a) Experimental production of export crops.
(b) I:~provement and maintenance of soils fertility.
(c) Efficient marketing of agricultural produce.
(d) Introduction of agricultural produce.
(e) Ir~troductionof agricultural education for the youths and
other members of the rural community and also the training
01' sub-professional staff (resulting in the establishment of
the school of Agriculture at moor Plantain, Ibadan).
(F) Establishment of rural development rudimentary agents.
However, it was not long after the establ4shment of these boards, that their objectives though laudable were altered by the same government that established them, Instead of engaging in plantation and crop development in the hinterlands, they now devoted more time to the development of Government Resewation
Areas and improvement of economic activities in the urban centres.
As a result of this, the rural cornmurtities lacked the initial patronage they received from the government resulting in poor
economic activities in the hinterlands. With this klnd of faulty
nature of development in the country which was one sided, most
youths in the rural communities were forced to migrate to urban
centres for better economic advantages to the detriment of their
communities.
According to Abasiekong, E. (1986) a lot of concepts have
been experimented upon - one after another, in the history of
Nigerian's development efforts. In 1940s and 1950s, it was
commonly believed that development was synonymous with
economic growth which called for the need to ralse the investment
ratio Tram six percent gross national product to fifteen percent and
by establishing Industries to produce substitutes for exports. When
the futility of this conception was realized, development economists
and social scientists looked for other prerequisite such as education
to accelerate development. But the spread of education revealed
that without the corresponding change in attitudes of manual work
- or opportunities for rural development education could only turn out
a large nu~nberof whiter-collar workers who could neither be willing
lo stay in the village nor be able lo find enough jobs in the cities. Much time was devoted 26 and greater emphasis was placed on agricultural development and cash crop production during the first development plan for Nigeria (1946 - 1956). The development programmes were divided into sectors with the agricult~~resector being headed by well-trained British officials. The emphasis at this time was to train more Nigerian youths on the modern agricultural practices including the use of improved varieties. The idea was to employ more youths on the farm situated mostiy in the rural areas, and thereby discourage them from migrating to urban centres 'in search of white-collar jobs. Also the participation of able-bodied young men in the production of cash crops was intended to increase the raw material base of the Fast growing European market and their demand for raw materials from the less developed nations of the world. This intention never really worked oul because there was an increase in the government activities in the urban centres resulting from the political reforms that were taking place throughout the African continent. This created a lot of employment opportunities for the youths in the urban centres, especially in the areas of clerical jobs. The economic attraction of these jobs and the social amenities available in the urban centres compelled most youth tls migrate From the rum! areas to the urban centres. After the Nigerian independence in 1960, a new development programme was drawn in 1962 - 68 development plan.
This development pmgrammes was still part of the revised first development plan, and it placed greater authority for agricultural development under the adrninlstra tive control of regional government.
The old Eastern Region achieved an enviable height in agricultural development at this period under the leadership of
Michael Okpara, the Premier of the Eastern Region. Under the
L Okpar-a administration, emphasis was on the establishment of farm settlement schemes for school leavers in various areas of the region. The purpose of this scheme was to encourage young school leavers to go back to agriculture as a means of livelihood rather than migrating to the urban areas in search of white-collar jobs, this policy led to the establishment of some farm settlement centres like the Umudike, Clzouwanl and Uzuakoli farm settlement centres.
These centres were usually located in the rural areas with accommodation provided, as well as sort loans and other technical assistance to enable khe youths concentrate alf their energies Into agricultural activities and praductions. This scheme achieved a jot of glorious heights in agricultural devebpment as was evident in the large palm tree, cocoa and rubber plantations noticeable in various
sections of the then Eastern reglon. Unfortunately, the scheme did
not live long to fully establish its benefits as the programme was
shattered by the Nigerian civil war and the subsequent creation of
twelve states in the country.
The second National Development Plan of 1972 - 1978.
introduced another dimension to the problem of rural-urban
migration and rural development unlike the previous programmes,
the government owned food companies or corporations introduced
by the regime of General Yakcrbn Gowon that: placed emphasis on
massive importation of food items to ease the prevailing food
shortages then. It was the period of oil boom and the nation had
enough petro-dollar to take care of her numerous and unnecessary
importations. Some top officials were accredited to have said that
"money was not our problem, but how to spend it". That was the
period of greatest neglect for agriculture and rural development.
The result was that most youths discouraged from farm works,
. migrated to the urban centres to share in the newly found economic
bliss. This trend continued until 1976 when the new government of
General Olusegun Obasanjo established the programme of
Operation Feed the Nation (OFN). Again, this programme reverted to agriculture as the basic means of developing our economy after witnessing the depletion caused to our economy as a result of massive importation of finished and semi-finished agricultural products in the early seventies. Nevertheless, unlike the previous programmes before it, the Operation Feed the Nation did not do much in concrete terms to develop agriculture in the rural areas and to encourage the youths to participate actively in agrlcul turd production. Much of its activities centred on the use of propaganda machinery including ke use of televisions, radio and newspaper to publicize the Operation
Feed the Nation. Also, so much money was spent on the import;~tion of heavy agricilltural machineries and fertilizer including studentsr participation scheme. But the actual beneficiaries were the top government functionarEes who diverted most of the funds and implements meant for the sl~ccessful implementation of the programme to their persunal use and to their rmmediate relations.
Operation Feed the Nation programme, however, enjoyed a lot of
media publicity and acclamation, but in spite or ail these efforts, the agricultwal productivity continued to decline and the youths
continued to migrate to urban centers. What is of particular
significance in all these programmes is the fact that this decline in agricultural productivity came at a time when the amounts of money which government was spending on the agricultural sector had increased phenomenally.
Mabogunje, A. C. (6987: 5 - 8) in his award winning-lecture, summarized this situation thus:
Whilst the second National Development plan allocated a total of N255m to agriculture between 1970 and 1974, the rourkh plan budgeted N8.8 billion (that is more than a 30 fold increase) for the sector between 1981 and 1985. Indeed, it has been suggested that in the last ten years, Nigeria, each year spent on the agricuftural sector much more than the colonial administration spent throughout the fifty old years of their tenure and this with much less to show for our investment. The questions to ask therefore are what have we beeu spending this huge money on? Why have we received so little returns in our rural areas. What is it that we have been doing wrong?
The failure of Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) progmrne to increase agricultural production in the country as well as enhance rura! development efforts and attract the cooperation of peasant farmer demands that a new effective programme must be fashioned out to take its place. President Shehu Shagari's regime had this in mind when in 1981, he launched the National Green Revolution progratnme. One of the cardinal policies of this programme was the
establishment of Rwer Basin and Rural Development authorities.
These authorities were established in various parts of the country
througtiout the federation and they consumed billions of Naira as it
involves massive importation of heavy farm machineries like tractor
and water pumping machines, as well as various chemicals and
other Farm implements. The River Basin and Rural Development
Authorities meant to compliment each other by working hand in
hand in the process of agricultural and rural transformatlam The
idea choosing the mral areas as the site for most River Basin
establishment was meant to serve as a way of bringing
development nearer the hinterlands thereby encouraging the youths
to work in the establishments and still participate in other rural
devero~mcntprogrammes in the country.
This notwithstanding, the story of the River Basin was the
most pathetic of all programmes as it was a colossal failure,
achieving very little or nothing in spite of the billions of Naira sunk
- into it.
The major reason for its failure was as a result of corruption
and mismanagement on the part of the officials charged with its
implementation. As a result of the failure, the rural youths could not be discouraged from migrating to the urban centers neither did it succeed in convincing them to choose farming as an alternative to white collar jobs. The programme as well failed to develop their rural comwunities.
The Agricultural Development programme which replaced the
National Green Revolution and the River Basin Authorities, was introduced by World Bank to facilitate the development of modern agricultural practices and also enhance the Iife of rural dwellers.
One of the World Banks assisted programmes aimed at increasing agricultcrral production and improving rural conditions in Nigeria is the Agricultural Development Project (ADP). The programme was conceived in the early 1970's during the second National
Development Plan but it became a fully matured national programme during the third National Development Plan. Although the first projects such as the Funta in Kaduna, Gusan in Sokoto and
Gombe 'rn Bauchi commenced operation in 1975, these earlier
Agricultural Development Project (ADP) were enclaved projects restricted to a particular area of a state. But all other parts of the state wanted the benefits which certain parts were already enjoying from the agricultural irnvestments. Despite the fact that the projects were supported by the food strategies mission of the World bank, it was obvious that the organitatim could not salety fund Further the expansion of more (ADPs),
In spite of the fact that the activities of the Agricultural
Development Project fully took off in the early eighties in most of the states involved, thelr growth and achievements were slow and quite discouraging even withln the few years of their inception. As a result of this weakness, the thrust of policy and strategy on rural developrner~t changed radically with inception of the General
Ibrahim Babangida regime. This regime introduced the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI) in 1986.
According to the president in his 1986 budget speech, Rural Development policy will move away from past narrow sectoral preoccupation with the generation of food and fibre surpluses to cover all formulation of a national rural development strategy with emphasis on the alleviation of rural poverty and the enhancement of the quality of life. Rural development holds the key to sustained agricultural transformation and r~ationalfood security.
In 1987, the president maintained that the past food and agricultural policies programmes and projects have failed significantly because of the policy failure to provide the rural development foundation. As a result, a number of steps were taken which began with the establishment of an ad hoc body tagged Directorate of Foods Roads and Rural infrastructure (DFFRI) in
1989. The main objective of this establishment was the revitalization and transformation of the Nigerian rural sector and enhancing the living conditions of the country's over 95,000 rural cornrnr~nities thereby reducing rural welfare gap as rural-urban migration,
The functions vested on DFFRI by Uecree number 4 of
Februxy 1986 that established it include anrotg others;
(i) To formulate and support a national rural feeder road
network programme involving constrirction, rehabilitation,
improvement and maintenance, especially in relation to the
ne tion's food self-sufficiency programme as well as general
rural development.
(ii) 7-13 formulate and support a national rural water supply
programme together with a national on-farrn storage
programme with emphasis on full initial involvement of local
communities and local government personnel to ensure
sustained maintenance of built infrastructure.
(iii) To identify and promote other programmes that would
errfiance greater productivity arid econon~icactivities in the rural areas as well as help to improve the quality of life and
standard of living of the rural people.
All the efforts made by the regime of President Ibrahim
Babangida to make DFFRI, a success and free from all the inadequacies of former programmes that collapsed later, notwithstanding its activities have been widely criticized on the grounds of various weaknesses and shoddy performance. Some of the problems emanated from inadequate funding, non- challant attitude of the state and local governments who were suppowU to supplement and implement DFRRI projects. Inadequate preparation for the take off of the Directorate, especially as it affects some of its projects was yet another factor that contributed to its failure.
However, the actual failure of DFRRI could be seen principally on the faces of most Nigerian rural dwellers and their communities where poverty is still rampant and the living conditions pathetic. It is for all the above reasons that the youths in the rural areas have continued their onward migration into the urban centers to the detriment of the rural areas.
Although the above mentioned programmes testify to the priority attention that rural development has received in Nigeria, experience so far in Enugu State, particularly Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, demonstrate that rather than transform and modernize rural areas in any significant manner, the various programmes which at all reached the local government, have contrary to their objectives, continued to impoverish and underdevelop the rural areas. The silent majority who reside in such rural areas have been left as victims of neglect, deprivation and exploration. These factors made impossible for the previous government policies and programmes in Enugu State particuiarly in
Isi-Uzo L-ocal Government Area In Enugu State to efficiently check the rural-urban migration in the local government for a long time
now, hence the need for further research in this area.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
For years now, the Isi Uto Local Government Ar-ea in Enugu
State has been lacking young able-bodied and resourceful members
of the area. Most of the youths in thls local government have
created a lot of social problems due to their migration to the cities
thereby abandoning their civic duties in pursuit of quick wealth.
Also the rural cornmunities in the local government have been
lacking inadequate manpower for agricultural and other
development programmes. The above assertion agrees with the
position of Adepoju (1980:3) who remarked: "the departure of energetic young people adversely affects agriculture, retards rural development and consequently accentuates rural economic stagnd tion''.
The economic stagnation resuits In form of the acute shortage of cottage industries in the rural areas of Isi Uzo Local government in the recent years. Skilled professionals have been lacking in most rural areas of the local government. Most mate youths have lost interest in the development of the cottage industries like carving and other crafts work as well as in some professionals like palm wine tapping, fishing and hunting.
Young girls in the local government area of isi-Uzo are also affected in the migration. This too affects the economic and agriculturai activities in the area. The get rich qulck syndrome has today become the most brmidable social problem plaguing most young men in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State. This incident has resulted i most young girls in the area engaging themselves in early marriages in a bid to join the city life.
This is in contradiction to Richardson's (1987: 5 - 8) stand that: "migratiorl is selective of age and skills".
Furthermore, the male children that have played great role in
the economic development of the rural areas like rsi Uzo, have recently developed interest in trading and have consequently joined larger markets In the urban centers. In Tsi Uzo Local Government
Area, [:he respect for traditional values and some noble ideals, customs and sacred norms have all shifted to the respect and worship of money. Most youths in the area now compete among their age mates on who would be the first to migrate to the city.
Most parents residing in the area have not helped the issue as they encourage their children to migrate to the urban centers. In Isi Uzo
Local Government Area, the social status of rncrst families is
measured by the number of their children residing in the big cities
and urban centers, their actual means of living there
notwithstanding.
It is therefore against this background that the following
questions are raised:
(1) To what extent does rural-urban migration affect the
development of your community?
(2) What categories of individuals are more involved in rural-
urban migration in isi-Uzo Local Government Area?
(3) How will the mass exodus of people from the rural into the
urban centers in Isi-Uzo Local government area be
adequately checked or minimized? 1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this study is to find out why there is migration of people in isi-Uzo Local government area of Enugu
State.
Specifically, the study will:
(1) Ascertain the effect which the moving away of the youths
from the rural areas into the cities has on the development
of Tsi-Uzo Local Government Area.
(2) Find the categories of people mostly involved in* the
migration.
(3) Suggest measure to curtail this rnovernent/migration.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is significant in several ways. Interest in rural development frankly speaking is not new in Nigeria but what is new however, is the unprecedented problem of the rural area development seeing the increase at a faster rate, widening the gap
between the rural and urban subsystems as a result of migration.
In so far as our control mechanism seems inadequate to match the
magnitude of the problems, this study therefore will certainly
convey different meanings to the various individuals and groups 2 1 who are -.ither directly or indirectly concerned by the product of the research.
The researcher and those ifivolved in the work, while contributing to a new body of knowledge will also have their
understanding and knowledge of the economic life and values of
most rural dwellers in Isi-Wzo increased, thereby equip themselves with the idea of the best approach to possible economic investment
in Local government area.
Again, any organization that gels this material will not only use
it for research purposes but also in dealing with the people of Isi-
Uzo Local Government Area as it concerns their way of life and
academic activities.
The Local Government Area itself will benefit from thb
research work as it has sensitized them on the negative
consequences of rural urban migration, as well as on the need to
check this ugly trend for the purpose of achieving meaningful rural
development programmes in this Local Government Area In
particular- while checking unemployment in the State in general.
Furthermore, some of the recommendations made in this work
will assist the policy makers in the focal government in the
formulation of effective and purposeful rural development policies which will not only encourage the majority of the youths to reside in the rural areas, but will also help to bridge the social gaps between rural communities and urban centers.
Finally, both government and people of Isi-Uzo Local
Government can learn more about the greatest demands both in the social and economic activities of the rural dwellers by going through this research work and through that learn about the best way to assist them in achieving an enviable standard of living in the hinterlands. 1
10 LIMITATIONS 06 f ME STUDY
I nis research work was carried out to ascertain why migration occurs in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area using survey research method of studies. This choice was because the survey research method studies large as well as small populations. The study is focused on three communities selected from the Local Government Flbu Area which are €ha-Amufu, Ikem and W communities. The reason for the choice is the preponderance of financial and time constraint which prevented a local government - wide survey study.
However, stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting the communities studied to ensure representativeness and to counter balance other shortcomings. 23
One of the greatest obstacles to the successful completion of this work has been the distance that was covered by road and the poor nature of roads in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.
Most rural roads in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area are partly unmotorable, while the major roads are in state of neglect. For this reascn, transportation to the hinterlands has been very expensive.
This made the process of data collection very expensive, cumbersome and highly challenging.
Another handicap in the study is the scarcity of materials this area of study coupled with the fact that most rural dwellers the area are illiterates, and as such, could not Fill the questionnaire by themselves. The scarcity of research materials in particular has a very serious implication in the successful and tirnefy completion of the work.
It is a known fact that migration in such environment like Isi-
Uzo Local Government Area has serious demographic, social, economic and quite oRen political implications for both the rural communities which are the "sendingw areas and the urban centres, which are the 'receiving areas'. The need to have reliable information about its processes cannot therefore be overemphasized if effective planning especially for the allocation of resources is to be achieved. Unfortunately, as has been severally observed, the
widest gap in demographic knowledge exists in the area of
migration. Shiyock and Siegal (1980: 616) gave the reason far the
above when they wrote: "Of all components of population change,
internal migration has been the most difficult to measure". Much of
this difficulty was attributable to the lack of good records in terms of
national censuses, sample surveys and continuous population
registers.
Isi-Uzo Local Government shares in this problem of paucity' of
migration data. The Federal and State governments have done little
to estimate migration trends, patterns and levels. Apart from the
Rural Demographic survey of 1965 - 1966, that has been little done
in the area of rural migration, much has not been done. As a result
of the above problems, any researcher In this area has to rely on
the few information provided by individual and institution
researchers. Such information are mostly uncoordinated and
demand a lot of time and energy to be fully scrutinized for any
- valuable and reliable adoption, CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH METHOD
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
The literature of this study was reviewed under the following sub-headings.
(a) Understanding migration and development
(b) Patterns of migration
(c) Reasons for migration and
(d) Political economy of migration
(a) UNDERSTANDING MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Writing under the above sub-topic, the House of Commons
International Development Committee (June 2004:15) posits: 'If
Governments are to make migration deliver benefits in terms of poverty reduction, then policies need to be based on a sound understanding of a complex relationships between migration and development"
Rural-urban migration is essentially the movement or shift of population from rural areas to towns and cities. In recent times, this pattern of migration has assumed alarming proportions in many develocring countries to the extent that it is involved as a "disturbing chenomenon" by the government of these cauntrles. {Richardson l983:48).
Migration presents serious challenges. The places and people left behind-the home societies-face the challenge of coping without the migrants and their skills. According to the House of Commons
International Development Committee on migration and
Development (2004:9), "The places where the migrants move to the host societies need to adapt to the influx of new people. The
migrants themselves have the challenges of moving, and of working
I:o realize their dreams of better life.
The report was further to assert that "there are opportunities
"00, from migration and from the resource flows which migration
zan generate". Even a slight relaxing of restrictions o the
movement of workers-increasing the proportion of migrants in
developed countries' workforce to just three percent-would deliver
global gains of $150 billion per year, some of which could be spent
on poverty reduction (House of Common Report 2004:5).
According to the economists 3.K Galbraith {2003), migration is
viewed 2s the oldest action against poverty". Worldwide, 175
million people, or just under three percent of the total, live outside
their country of birth. Migration may be the exception rather than the rule; but it is increasing. It is already very important-in terms of economics and politics, domestically and interrrationally because of the lirlk it establishes between countries.
The discovery from this House of Commons report reveals that, the overall challenge is to manage migration so that when peo~lechoose to migrate their experience, and that of the people they leave behind, is positive; the benefits are maximized; the costs are minimized, and both costs and benefits and shares equitably between homes and host societies. .
PAFERNS OF MIGRATION
In Enugu state and particularly Isi-Uzo Local Government
Area, it is difficult to say in precise quantitative terms the volume of rural-urban migration. But it is widely acknowledged that the level of that pattern of migration is relatively high and appears to be increasing in trend. According to Duru, [1988:4). 'It is noted that significant proportion of the population in the urban centers is made up of rniqrants from rural area".
The United Nations Population Division estimates that 175 million people - 2.9 percent of the world's population currently live outside their country of birth. In absolute terms, this is an increase of 100 million since 1965; in percentage terms it is an increase from 2.3 percent to 2.9 percent of the world's total population. It may well be the case that many more people world like to migrate, but there is currently in contrast to the impression given in some parts of the media-no "tidal wave" about to crash on the shores of the
United Kingdom or the developed world as a whole. Of the current stock of international migrants, 60 percent live in the developed world, and 40 percent in the developing world. According to
Interrmtional Organization for Migration, World Migration (20031,
Fifty-six million migrants live in Europe, 50 million in Asia and'41 million in North America.
Adepoju (1986:92) opined: "The widely observed phenomenal growth of towns and cities in developing societies is due in part to the inf!ux of people from rural areas". By the process of rural-urban migration, many rural areas have lost part of their population to urban areas. This toss of population has raised a lot of curious issues in some states and this has attracted A.C. Okeke's (1990:19) comment. Me summarized some of his observation thus:
Rural-urban migration as in other parts of Nigeria can be attributed to a number of reasons including economic opportunities, the flight from rural violence and cultural inhibitions, better quality housing, better health services and other urban amenities and Infrastructures, Whatever the reasons for 3 0 those who migrate are largely the young and educated rural dwellers. A case is sited of Ghananian whose main reason for wanting to migrate was simply "because I have been to school" and no job (United Nation Publication 1966:60).
Distinctions are often drawn between types of migrants
(voluntary or forced) between thelr motivations for moving
(economic: or non-economic), and between 'push; and 'pull' factors
in m~tivatingmigration. Commenting on the above assertions, the
House of Commons International Development Committee ~ebort
(2004:10) has this to say: "Voluntary migrants choose to move;
forced migrants do not. Economic migrant move to gain access to
resources or to improve their employment opportunities whereas
non-economic migrants move to escape persecution. Migrants
responding to push factors are leaving places where life is a
struggle, migrants responding to pull factors are moving to places
where they think they might prosper.
Todaro and Stilkind (1980:14) and Caldwell (1968:36) have a
long list of other Factors which are responsible for migration as
"economic or financial, rural violence, drought and desire to break
away from cultural inhibitions" United Nation (1997:57) has the
following factors as being responsible For migration "health services migration the irlflux or rural migrants to urban centers have a !at of implications for society. It is noted that migration is a major source of population change and redistribution and is responsible for increasing the population of receiving areas and decreasing the population of source areas;.
A very high proportion of migrants, and perhaps even the majority, migrants on a temporary basis, either for a number of years before returning home or migrating to and fro each year. For instance, many Haitians go backwards and forwards between their thome country and the Dominican Republic. And in India, tempordry circular and seasonal migration, with people moving in response to opportunities for agricultural work, or for off-farm rural employment in construction and services, has long been part of poor people's lives (tiouse of Commons International Development Committee
Report 2004).
REASONS FUR MXGRATION
From the publications of the United Nations (1966:60), rural- urban rnigration is viewed as "a movement of rural agricultural workers into cities in search of non-agricultural jobs and "the easier" life style often attributed to living in urban area".
Furthertriore, the publicatior~ssaw the rural urban migration as 'a vehicle for improving the standard of livingr. Indications are that 3 1 and conditions, the quality of housing, public services facilities water supply, gas, electricity, telephone etc). to Bryant and White
[1982:21), migration is caused due to search for 'cultural and recreational opportunities (theatres, movies, libraries, newspapers, and other mass media), social legislations concerning working conditions, public welfare and relief programmes. Again, the presence and influence OF Triends and relations are additional factors. The above also agrees with United Nations (1973:61).
Writing on the specifics, the House of Commons International
Committee Report (2004: 18) had a detailed information: making distinctions between migrants and thelr motives is necessary in order to ensure that refugees fleeing political persecution are afforded protection and asylum. But people who move often have multiple motives, and the places from which they move often have multiple problems- a lack of economic opportunities and political instability linked 'by the common thread of poor governance. Forced migrants may retain some choice as to where they flee; voluntary migrants may be escaping depths of poverty and insecurity which give little room for choice. Economic migrants may be fleeing persecution as well as paverty. Policy ~nakersmay seek clarity, but 32
the line between voluntary and forced migration and economic and
non-economic migrants is frequently blurred.
[~is~hssingthe conceptual categories of 'push' and 'pullf
factor:;;, the report is of the opinion that the concepts will 'helps us
to understand migration'. Commenting further, the report wrote: As
regards the 'pushr factors, migrants may be motivated to leave a
place for reasons ranging from the economic and demographic
poverty, unemployment, low wages, high fertility rates, lack of basic
health and education) lo the political (conflict, insecurity, violerice,
poor governance, corruption and human right abuses), the social
and cu!tural discrimination, genders or caste), and the
environmental (harvest failure, resources, depletion, and natural
and/or man-made disasters). In terms of 'pull' factors perceived
economic opportunities broadcast by an increasingly global rnedia-
are key. Migrants are attracted by the possibilities of employment,
better starrdards of living, greater opportunities for personal and
professional development and family reunification whether their
- journey takes them to a nearby town, to the capital city, to a
neighboring country or to a distant land.
Migra:lts are motivated by various combinations of 'push and
pull fac:tor-; against a background of transport and other costs. In 3 3
some circumstances migration may begin as a result of push factors
drought, lack of work and then, when migrants return with stories
of a better life elsewhere and family networks which link home and
host regions are established, be driven more by pull factors.
Migration, according to the House of Commons Reports (2004:19)
may be initiated following a community making contact with, and
learning more about the outside world.
Identifying push and pull factors does shed some light on the
reasons for migration, but it is perhaps more useful to See migration
as one nf th? options which poor people and households have for
managing their risks and sustaining their livelihoods, Commenting
on this, the I-louse of Commons International Committee Report
(2004: 19) opines: 'if people felt that their current place of
residence provided them with adequate chances for secure lives,
Free of poverty and with the prospect of improvement, then they
would not feel forced to move,
M $2.5 billion, and that immigration adds a quarter of one percent
- to growth in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GPO). "However,
- whilst immigration may lead to economic growth, it will not
necessarily ircrease the host society" per capita income. whether
the balance is positive or negative, overall, or on a per capita basis, 3 4
depends on the nature of migration and on whether the migrants
are able to prosper in the host country.
There are costs and benefits for migrants themselves.
Discussing migration, Richardson (1983:2) is of the opinion that the
policies to deter migration should be based on "an assessment of
social not private costs and benefits". The thrust of the argument is
that 'excessive' migration imposes net social costs on the society.
The reasons being that s~cialamenities in the urban centers of most
developing countries Including Nigeria are few. The irnplicatiori is
that continuous inflow of people into the urban areas will place extra
strain in these few social amenities.
Commenting on the post and benefits for migrants themselves,
the House of Commons International Report [2004:23) agrees that
on the positive side, 'migrants have the opportunity to accumulate
wealth and skills, working in a context where their labour and skills
can be employed more productively and for greater reward, and
there they may feel more secure". On the negative side, the report
- opined: 'migrants may suffer from a lack of access to health.
education and other services, poor living conditions and exploitation
by traffickers on route and then by employers no matter whether
they have moved from a village to a town in India, or from 3 5
Somaliiand to London. Home countries and communities left behind by migrants are also affected.
More on the positive aspect: of migration, it can provide an outlet For under-employed skills, reducing unemployment and increasing wages. It can also increase the incentives for people to
Pursue higher education, generate remittances, lead to the return migration OF people with new and improved skills, expose developing countries to different ideas and values, and establish links which may be used in future for trading and business purpdses
(House of Commons International Report 2004). There are significant casts too for home countries and the communities left behind, including the creaming-off of skilled and educated people, the loss of their energies and potential taxes, a reduction in the domestic pressures for economic and political reform and the undermining of family and other support structures. Such dynamics will fcrr-ther r~nderminethe livelihoods of the chronically poor-
Migration's costs and benefits will be distributed unevenly.
Economic theory suggests strongly that migration will increase global economic output, giving scope far win-win outcomes but
many of the developmental gains are likely to impose costs for
some. Ottong I. C. (1991 :21) seems to be supporting rural-urban migration completely when he argued:
In the context of rural development, rural-urban migration has some positive consequences in terms of the contributions of migrants to the development of their places of origin. Observations have shown that whatever little development rural areas have experienced is due in large parts to the influence of migrants in towns. For instance, rnigran ts provide the impetus for most rural development projects by providing the initiative and the capital to finance the projects. Mlgrants are also regarded as vehicles for the spread of modernizatior\ influences from towns and cities to rural areas.
The strength of the above argument notwithstanding, Prothem
(1968:250f) argue that much of the effect of rural-urban migration on rural areas has negative impact. He maintained that "rural-urban migration means a shiR of population from agricultural to non- agricultural jobs which may not be readily available in the urban centers",
In his own conlributlon, Obiafor J. E. (1985:92) supports the view that rural-urban migration was responsible For the underdevelopment of most rural communities such as Isi-Uzo Local 3 7
Government Area. Contributing to the above subject matter, he opines:
The failure of rural development programmes (both cornmunity development through self-help and integrated rural development through mass participation) in Enugu State is due to manpower constraints resulting from massive populatton migration from rural to urban areas. Those who move are the highly skilled, young and active population who should have provided the needed leadership for effective rural development.
Deliberating an what he termed the panacea to all the dilemma on migration and rural development, he maintains:
To achieve real development in our rural areas, the trend of rural-urban migration must be reduced through the establishment of model towns, by the Directorate of Food Road and Rural Infrastructure, in all LGA" in the state. These model towns should be provided with cottage and agro based industries as well as other social infrastructure to attract people to them. By this strategy, local communities will 'pull' enough qualified persons to settle in them and ensure the availability of personnel for rural development in the state (Obiakar 199594).
Another important aspect of this discussion is in the expression in the Nigeria's third National Development Programme (1975-80) which states in part, that the 'most glaring disparity in the level of
development in Nigeria exists in the main between the urban and
rural areas". Putting it differently, Low (1982:94) observes that "the
fruits of development have been spatially maladjusted resulting in a
"pull" from rural homestead to areas of wage employment".
Reacting further on this view, Ogbuagu (1989:S) maintained that
most of the factors that result to rum! underdevelopment, are in
most occasions the very factors that compel most migrants to move
from the rum! into the urban areas. He argues that 'Aside from thge
urban 'pull' facton that rural 'push' factors exert tremendous
pressure on the migrants. Most rural area, lack good water supply,
electricity, feeder roads etc, some citizens have little or no access to
land for farming; recreational and cultural facilities are virtually
non-existent in many others". He further argued that in some rural
access, provision of social services is minimal and because
agricultural production implements are still largely traditional,
production remains low. For the above reasons according to him,
- quite often, the young in the mral areas move to the urban areas in
search of better opportuflities,
The available literature through sample though addressed the
issue of migration in different forms, none has specifically dealt in 39 the issue of rural-urban migration in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State hence the researcher's study on the above subject matter.
2.3 TIFIEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
PI-oviding a generally applicable theories of migration has been a challengi13g preoccupation of many scholars. As yet the problem remains largely unresolved, often existing formulations are criticized as 'culture-bound, time -bound or description-bound'. United
Nations 1973 Vol 1). Nevertheless, two broad groups of theories can be identified, one set deals with the 'push; and pull theory wtiicti is critjcited as situation-oriented. It takes its origin horn distinguishing the differences in characteristics between the places of origin and destination of migrants. This theory as stated by Beaujan-Garnler
(1970:269), maintains that when the 'push' factors In the rural areas are strong and complemented by 'pull' factors in the urban areas, a lot of rural people will move from the rural area Into the urban centers. The theory further stipulated that although the push and pull vary in strength in different conditions, after all sald and done, the same factors operate universally.
The second group of theories attempts to formulate empirically verifiab!e general laws of migration. One of its earliest proponents is
Ravenstein. In his efforts to establish 'the laws of migration'. 4 0
Ravenstein (1989:241:301) opined that 'migration is predominantly
of short distancer. Later scholars including Stouffers largely supports
this view. Nevertheless, Stouffers (1960:1-26] expanded this
theoretical orientation to include a model of 'intervening variables".
This means that migrants can change their original intentions to
move to larger cities if they meet with equally satisfying or
attractive conditions of incentives in the intermediate towns as they
expected to find in larger centers.
Many economists on their own part theorize that
considerations of international migration should be made bearing ir
mind the 'costs and returns of investment not only in human capita
but also on moving costs, etc". Shults and Sjaatad, 1962:17)
Todaro (1.976:9) while reviewing economic theories of rural-urban
migration contends that some fairly successful economic theories
exist. MCNICOLL in the international Encyclopedia of population
(1982:52) posited that 'rural-urban migration flows can be
substantially explained as individual responses to perceived
- differences between present real income and expected real income
at the place of destination. It must be stated that the emphasis here
is on t!le perceived differences. Having examined some relevant theories in relation to this study, it must be mentioned that the push and pull theory has been adopted as the one that best explains the direction of our thought as regards the impacts of rural-urban migration in Enugu State.
Some of the push factors of the rural areas include lack of employment opportunities, lack of social and recreational facilities, poor economic activities in the rural areas, lack of encouragement on part of parents and relatives to the youths who wish to establish in rural based economic programmes, absence of large markets, absence of agricultural development facilities and other social institutions like Banks as well as poor communication network.
While the presence of employment opportunities, social and recreational facilities, good communication network, presence of social institutions like Banks, good schools and other financial institutions, [arge markets, good housing, good health care and many other act as urban pull adequate justice to our topic, the researcher has narrowed this theory to only those factors that constitute the 'push' aspects of the theory, since this is what, affected the development efforts of the rural communities most. As
a result, all the factors that contribute to rural underdevelopment as
well as facilitated the migration of youths horn rural areas of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area into the cities, are to be identified and
recorded as push factors. It is upon this stand point that the
researcher lays his theoretical foundation.
2.4 METHODS OF DATA GATHERING
Fuur hundred copies of the questionnaire produced for this
research were distributed to respondents through the probability to
proportionate to size (PPS) type of sampling, This system of
sampling employs random technique in the selection of elements to
be included in the sample From the target population. ihe
probability to proportionate to size (PPS) type of sampling has been
defined by Odo (Op. cit: 56) as "a process of divlding a defined
population into numerous clusters made up of units for the selected
units to r;mdomly select elements in proportion to the percentage
the total elements in each group or unit or cluster represents in the
total defined population'. As a result, the number af elements
selected from each OF the three communities chosen for this study
must represent the same percentage which the total elements in
- this particular community represent in the total population.
The researcher atso made use of the face-to-face system of
questionnaire distribution in dispatching the questionnaire. The
face-to-face system questionnaire has been defined as a 'process where the researcher visits the institution or organization himself to distribute the questionnaire directly by himself or by on-the spot assistant in the place to the sarnpje group element' (Ibid).
Since the researcher would find it very tedious to distribute and collect all the copies of questionnaire by himself alone, the services of f%ur male student were employed in studying each of the
rura! communities sekcted.
The questionnaire was usually distributed in the morning hours and ;respondents were asked to get them by the evening of 'each
day when the student assistants would move around to collect
them. One full day was used in the studying of each community and
in all, it took three days to study all the three communities involved
in the study.
2.5 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
Data analysis can be defined according to Odo (1992:67) as 'a
process of transferring the collected data to a coded form that is
entered into a data processing instrument which in turn is
manipulated in such a way as to produce statistical and or
numerica tly arranged data'.
The researcher applied manual procedures in the analysis of
this data. Also, the mean rating and the simple percentage table 4 4
was used in the analysis of data so that it will help to make the
analysis clearer and more organized.
2.6 HYPOTHESIS
(1) Rural-Urban Migration and Development of Isi-Uzo Local
Government Area
Rural-urban migration, to a large extent, contributes to the
underdevelopment of the rural arms in Isi-Uzo L,G.A.
(2) The Youths Tendency to migrate to urban centres.
The youths in Isi Uza C.G.A are mostly involved in the rur81-
urban migration.
(3) The Youths Employment, provision OT Social Amenities and
Rate of Rural-Urban Migration
Employment of youths and provision of social arnenlties in Isl-
Uzo will check the increasing rate of rural-urban migration.
The responses and analysis of the questionnaire instrument
and the literature reviewed explicitly showed that migration of the
youths from the rural Communities to the urban centers
- underdevelop the communities. This is because the most virile
- group that is, the youths who due to the engine of development
drift away thereby denyi~gthe communities their youthful energies of which would have been mobilized the communities have drifted to the urban areas.
It is therefore against this background that we accept hypothesis one, which stated that rural-urban migration to a large extent, contribute to the underdevelopment OF rural communities.
From the second question of the questionnaire instrument, there is a conclusion that even though rnigratlon affects both the rich and the poor because in the first place, the rich's movement to the urban centres does not have the same infiuences on the ruial areas as the poor youths, who are the engine of community development.
Also question on the age bracket of the migrants, it was clear
that young men and women between the ages of 10-18, 19-25, 26-
35 are more prone to migration and the reason behind their
movement is simply to search for the goldefl fleece. The orientation
in recent days in these communities have changed from the
formerly cherished occupations like teaching, lawyer, Doctor,
Engineer to simply being a wealthy person Irrespective of the source
of wealth. Most of the youths would want to be rlch at all cost, lit is
common to note that many or the youths go into illegal trades like drug trafficking, human trafficking, ritual murder, prostitution, armed robbery to acquire quick wealth.
From literature reviewed in the study, it is imperative to note that empowerment of the youth is an indispensable factor in the quest far a lasting solution to rural urban migration. This is where government policies have a serious lacuna (empty part) that needs to be filled. Government policies directed at the youths are always very unrealistic and problematic. These poilcies tend to alienate the youths thereby formulating policies alien to the needs of the youths.
Even the poverty alleviation programmes and the various youths empowerment schemes of government have faited because the beneficiaries are not the target. Most times they are used for party patronage. It is not uncommon where somebody claims to be a farmer and receives grants frorn government when it is clear that the person is not a farmer. And most times these schemes concentrate on the urban areas neglecting the rural communities which actually would have been the target.
The questionnaire instrument also convinces us that this neglect of the rural communities is actually what leads to migration.
Government over the years have had policies alien to the rural dwellers. And even when these communities embark on self-help projects, they are not encouraged. This cannot be separated from the character and nature of the Nigerian state which is prebendal i.e. seen as an avenue for personal aggrandizement. The people who find themselves in power personalize the public i.e making the government revolve round them, and their crannies. This type of state is primitive and accumulating wealth primitively is normal. The state therefore become an instrument of those in power for enriching and empowering themselves a(. the expense of the majority of the citizens who wallow in abject poverty. -
2.7 QPERATXONALIZATION OF THE KEY CONCEPT IN THE
HYPOTHESES
According to Tuckman (1972 :56) an operational definition is one based on the observable characteristics of that which is being defined. In other words, it identifies the observable criteria of that which is being deRried. For the purpose of this research, the key
concepts include: Rural (Areas) and Development
1. Rural (Areas)
Rural area in Nigeria is characterized by deprivation,
marginalization, want, poverty, disease and lack of the basic need
that make life worth living. The rural dwellen have fewer opporti~nitiesfor qualitative education, employment and good living
standard.
They lack good roads, electricity, pipe-borne water, primary
health care, communicatiorls ett. The dwellers are mostly sustained
by subsistence agriculture whose produce are sold at give away
prices after harvest due to lack of storage facilities and feeder road.
ii. Development
The operational. definition of developmenl can be appreciated
by a measurement or appraisal of some indices: a substantlal
reduction of rural poverty, increased access to food, portable water
and shelter; electricity; primary health care availability; access to
qualitative education, access to justice which make people happy,
confident, free and more disposed to a peaceful coexistence, access
to security of life and property and finally increased access to
information and communication which is very 1 mportant regardless
of the type of technolog-y.
A measure of development is also expressed by the lwei of
. the citizens (men and women) involvement and participation in
decision-making process. Development involves a general
reorientation of values and restructuring towards improvement in
the quality of life. Development Is a human issue and 5h~Urevolve around men and women and their interactions among themselves and their enviro.nment.
2.8 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
The priman/ purpose of this section is to inform interested readers exactly how the study was done.
The research problem bordered on human thoughts, opinions and feelings. The survey method is used. There is a combination of library research, questionnaire and oraf interviews. According to
Odo, (1992:42) survey research is the type or research desigkd that deals with practical application of the already standardized theories available in social and behavioural sciences. Hence, it deals with the study of how those theories developed through pure research design, work in practical life situations. In other words, it studies large and small populations and from that, characteristics of the defined population is inferred.
This survey was oriented towards the determination of the issues raised in the statement of problem. The method employed was the cross-sectional survey, which means a process whereby collection of data is done at one point in tifne fm"?-I a sample selected to describe some larger population at that time (~arlR. B.
1973:62). For the purpose of data collection, we employed two main
SO-piand secondary for the primary sources, the researcher made me of the instrument cailed the "Rural Migration
Description Questionnaire (RMDQ)" and interview.
The ~ucslionnaireused in this research has two sections - section 'A' and section '0'. Section 'A' were made up of general questions bordering on the main issue of the study, while section 'B' centred on demographic information such as age and marital status.
Also in the analyses of the data collected, the mean frequedcy percentage tables were used, in order to facilitate quicker understanding and interpretation of data. The secondary sources are books, journals and other publications. CHAPTER THREE
THE STUDY AREAIGENERAL INFORMATION
This study & carried out in Isi-Uzo LxaE Government Area. Isi
Uzo Local Government is bounded by Renue on the North, Udenu
Local Government on the South, Ebonyi State on the East and
Nsukk;l/Enugu East Local Governments on the West, Isi-Uzs Local
Government Area is made up of five communities namely, Eha-
Arnufu, Neke, Ikem, Mbu and Umualor.
The three communities selected in th~swork were chosen frbm
the five conimunities and they include Eha-Amufu, Neke and Ikern.
All the communities without exception live in rural areas. This
means that the bulk of the population in Isi-Uzo Local Government
Area live in the rural areas.
The primary and major occupation of the people In Isi-Uzo is
agriculture, followed by trading with few civil servants. The land in
most of the comrnunitks especially Eha-Amufu is very fertile that
they do not need any artificial application for bountiful harvest.
Their agricultural product include: yam, cassava, palm produce,
- rice,cocoayam,maizeandecunomictresslikeOgbonoandvariety
of trees. They also have tick forests where they grow trees such as
Iroko, Mahogany for economic purposes. The people are Market. 5 3
The vegetation of Eha-Amufu 1s of guinea-Savanna type with characteristic interspersion of tree (mainly of the Gospel erodendron balsarniferum) and grasses. They reveal unquestionable effects of human interference in a natural cycle. Relic forests however exist in sacred groves where tradition forbids their exploitation and within stream valleys where soil and ground water conditions allow their growth and regeneration after exploitation.
The major communities or villages from Eha-Amufu are
Mgbvuji, Umuhu,m Urnujiovu, ABor, Agamede, Ihenyi. Isu Snd
Amede.
All the above communities or villages according to history, emigrated from different parts of Igba land and settled at different parts of what is presently know as Eha-Amufu Town.
UMU3HOVU
The same history also has it that among all the communities of
Eha-Anlufu, Umujiovu community is the oldest to settle. Umujiovu
today seems to be the community with the least number of people
in the entire Eha-Amufu communities not rninditlg that they are the
oldest, The reason for their fewness is attributed to a folk that they
were cursed by some strangers for their unfriendly behaviour 54
towards them. She is such a small community that she does neither
have a school nor a church of her own.
MGBUJI
This is the largest community in Eha-Amufu both in number,
strength and area. From one extreme to the other will be up to
thirh, miles in length and the width is not less than fifteen miles.
Mgbuji is made up of five major villages that are also large. In
short, each village has at least orie farm settlement.
According to history, Mgbuji emigrated from Mgbldi in Awgu
town about 1879 AD. The story has as a reason for their migration
from Awgu thus: A King In Mgbidi died and he was customarily to be
succeeded by his son in the person of Ezconyiko. But instead of
following custom or tradition, one Mr. OkaFar from Alor who lived in
Mgbidi then contested for the post of the king (Eze). Mr. Okafor was
wealthy and therefore he used his wealth tcr buy over the people. As
a result, the community resorted to election in order to produce the
next king. Mr. Okafor because of his money won the election. when
- this happened, Mr. Ezeonyiko who was supposed to be the next king
traditionally left Mgbidi with hls supporters as to them, it was an
abomination for a foreigner to rule them especially as a king which
was their heritage from their forefathers. When they travelled to the present Mgbuji, they settled. The
only widely acclaimed and accepted church in this community is the
Anglican Church, It is true that there are other churches such as
Deeper Life, Church of Christ and so on, but they are insignificant.
IKEM
Ikem conmllnity can be found between Obollo and Eha-Amufu
communities. This community has Christianity (Roman Catholic,
Anglican and new generation churches] as her main religion. Idol
worshipers in this town have a significant number too. The only
bank in Isi Uzs Locay Government Area situates In this community
(Ikem). The community has produced some eminent personalities
which include a number of clerics and a former Senator. Like their
sister communities in Isi Uzo, Ikern's occupation is predominantly
farmers. A good number of Ikern, Indigenes have migrated to
search for greener pasture-
MSU
Another community selected to be studied in Isi Uzo 1s Mbu.
- This cornmllnity has a terrible road that makes it almost: impassible
for motorists to ply. This has given Okada riden a good means of
livelihood. Some of them make thousands of naira daily. This
community has a good number of heathens that may measure 5 6 effectively with the Christianity. Very Insignificant indigenes here for greed and poverty have joined other religions other than
Christianity and heathenism which seems alien to the community.
Some wealthy sons of this community prefer to buy land outside their community. In spite of the campaign for the youths to go to school, many have preferred to migrate to urban areas, others have I-esorted to get rich quick syndrome such as Okada business while others prefer going to farm on daily basis.
3.4 DEVELOPMENT -
According to Ezeani 198:Oevelopment has been conceptualized by scholars from different perspectives depending on their assumption, ideological persuasion and socio-economic and
political backgrounds.
The liberal theory of clevelopment views 'development' as a
total transformation of traditional or 'premodern' societies into the
types of technologies and associated social organization that
characterize the advanced economically prosperous and political
stable nations of the 'western world'. "Development involves
progression, movement and advance towards something betterfr
(Okoli 2002:129). It is improvement on the material and non-
material aspects of life. It involves action, reaction and motion. A developing comrnunlty is thus a community of motion, a people in search of self improvement; and a group concerned with, and committed to, its advancement through its own efforts (Emezi
1979).
For Okoli and Onah (2002: 129) development includes increase in the citizens' access to: -
- Water, food and shelter
- Information and means of communioatior~
- Health care delivery
- Good education and
- Justice
For the liberal theory of development, the acquisition of western artifacts was seen as a prerequisite for development.
In a sharp contrast, the radlcal perspective sees development as man centered or as bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. They don't see development in terms of growth in the per- capital incame but in the equal distribution of the economy of the country, unemployment and inequality. According to (Emezi
197% 129) development relate to economic system because they seek to raise living standards, widen extensively the scope of
productive work at the community level, and create or strengthen the necessary foundations of infrastructure for higher, larger and more beneficial charlges in the economy. Development also relates to social system because they aAect education, health, housing, games and sports, culture, care of fellow human beings, social ethics and social justice, and these are matters of both the body and the mind which joifitly Facilitate healthy yrowth and more meaningful advancement of the individual in the society.
Development 3s well relate to political system because they seek to create better patterns of legitimacy patterns which are good and valid because they create conditions which enable all or the significant groups in the population ta participate in the political process and have access to effective representation in the process of making decisions and of allocating scarce resources and values of their cornn-runities.
3.5 RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Rural development is a process of planned change Tor which one spproach or the other is adopted For improvement and/or trans'ormation of the lot or the rural populace. It is the process of ensuring that the poorer section of the population has some share in the fruits of economic activity. It IS the means by which the provision of social services far the rural populace is combined with
the promotion of economic growth (Abah 2000: 154).
For T.R. Battern (in Abah 2000:154) rural development is a
process by which the people in the small community, first through
discussion, define their goals and objectives and plan and act
together to satisfy them.
The United Nations Development Programme has defined rural
development as a process of socio-economic change involving the
transformation of agrarian society In order to reach a common *set
of development goals based on the capacities and the needs of the
people.
3.6 MIGRATION
Migration is the movement of people from one part of the
country to another or from one country to another in search for a
better life. It is a form of geographic or spatial mobility involving a
change in normal residence. The term migration is restricted to
some-what permanent change in residence between specific
- designated political or statistical areas or between types of
residential areas.
Migration according to Barclay ( l958) relates to some category
of travelers who; are not merely visitors or 'transients' and whose GO travel is sometimes connected with a change of occupation accompanied by long duration of residence.
fiK0I'ding to Raverltein (1989) the decision to migrate is guided more by ec~omkmotives than by such factors as heavy
taxation, unattractive climates and congenital social surrounding.
3.7 POPULATION
The theories of the classical school of economics (19'~century)
concerns itself with causes and consequences of population changes
in their effort to discover laws governing the level and trendi of
production, wage, interest and rents. For instance, law of
diminishing returns or increasing returns in various branches of
econornic activity that is, Agriculture and manufacturing. As was
advanced by earlier writers, Adam Smith stated that it is generally
believed tPat cost of production of Agricultural products tend to rise
resulting in increase in population demand and output while there is
a decrease in production cost of manufacturing. These diminishing
return:; in Agriculture lead to reduction in living standard and
c ~entlyimmigration.
Population tends to increase geometrically-----.whereas rood
supply tends to increase arithmetically (Thomas Malthus). When this excess of food In other words, Malthus was of the view that man's capacity to increase in subsistence is less than his capacity to multiply. fie identified various population checks, wars, famine, pestilence, want, premature mortality and associated them to the effect of outward migration. CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 DATA AND FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
Data for this study were collected through both primary and secondary sources. The data are presented in their simplest forms and analyzed using the simple percentage method.
The data presented far analysis are such that they reflect both the research question and hypothesis. The analysis started by asking a basic question thus:-
Out of the 180 questionnaire returned, 100 respondents
(55.67%) maintained that the segment mostly associated with rnlgration are the young men between their teens and early 30's. In the three communities studied; there is a general belief that young men are most vulnerable to migrate. However, 68 respondents
(37.8°/~)argued that young girls (women) are more vulnerable because most of these young girls (women) go into early marriages
in order to move to the urban centres to join their husbands, others
after learning trades Tike sowing (tailoring) fashion designing, hair salon etc move to the urban centres where there is market. The
rernair~ing12 both sex that is male and female at youth are mostly affected by migration since they believe the urban centres offer
more r3pportunities than their. rural communities. Question Two
According to the respondents from the different communities,
14 respondents (8.18%) stated that young men and womenr between the ages of 10-18 years are mostly associated wkh migration ir! the community. Their reason being that in most of the communities because of the difficulty in training these children in post prmary education, they are pushed to the urban centres to learn trade. According to them, the traders in the urban centres prefer them at that age when they are believed to be controlled.
The idea is to take the child through apprenticeship which usually lasts between 5 years to 8 years before they are settled to start
their own trade.
In any case, 50 respondents, (29.2%) stated that youths
between the ages of 18 years and 25 years are more prone to
migrate to the urban centres. Phis is as a result of the fact that this
group of people find it difficult to stay in the rural communities especially after seeing their mates who come from the urban centres doing well In terms of finance. This group also according to their reports, are more vulnerable to the get rich quick' syndrome.
Ninety -two respondents (53.8%) maintalned that those between the ages of 26 years and 31 years according to them, the majority of this group are adults, either married or about to marry.
This leads them into moving to the urban centres in order to provide for theil- families and the women among them move to the urban centres to join their husbands and those not married move to the urban centres where there are more opportcrrlities for them.
Fifteen respondents (8.8%) opined that those between the
ages of 32 years and 40 years are more prone to migration.
Because according to them, this group seek employment in the
urban centres, since agricultirre has failed to provide enough finance
for the enormous family responsibility. There Is however 9 invalid
responses.
Table 2: What is the level of Education of those that migrate?
-- Education Attainment
-- -Respondence -- - Uneducated- 90 - 50.6 - - Primary------
Post primary- --. 18 -- lCl.1 - -1
-.Tertiary - -- 70 39.3
-Tota -- I - -- Source: Researcher's questionnaire Instrument
On the level of education of those migrating to the urban centres from the communities, 90 (50.6%) of the respondents agreed that majority of those who migrate are uneducated because most families lack the finance to train their children in school, the only aption lef€ to those uneducated Is to seek means of livelihood in the urban centres. Most of them join different trades while others seek employment in companies and other establishments,
Seventy (70) (39.3%) of the respondents stated that those who migrate are those who have attended tertiary institutions. As they cannot find job that corresponds to their certificates in the rural areas, the only option is to migrate to urban centres in search sf employment and those that can not secure employment can find something doing on their own that will help them a living.
Eighteen (10.1%) of the respondents have the opinion that those who migrate have post primary education before leaving their cammunities. This can be drawn From the ract that the rural dwellers also look down on uneducated rich men. They prefer their children to get secondary education as a sure preparation for the urban life which is full of challenges, Question Four:
Has family size anything to do with migration
Table 3:
------. pptions of ] Percentage 1
1 Total i 176 Source: Researcher's questionnaire instrument
Out of the 176 responses for the question, 114 (64.8%) of the
resporrdents opined that the size of the family contribute to the
tendency to migrate. They stated that those large families are more
prone to migration because of the difficulty and the demand which
cannot be met because of the lean farnily income.
Sixty-two (62) (35%) of the respondents however, stated that
family size has nothing to do with 'the migration. According to them,
factors that lead to migration include poverty, government
insensitivity and neglect of the rural areas. These according to them
contribute more to migration than family size. Question Five
What is the economic background of the migrants?
Table- - 4 roptians i1 No. of / Percentage Responcfence Rich- -- -IF------.------Poor - --pr48.6 Total 17G 100 Source: Researcher's questionnaire instrument
Related to the last question is the economic background of the
migrants. The responses very from 92 (51%) which stated that the
rich are rrore prone to migrate to the urban centers. -
Moreover, related to thjs question also is the question on the
major means of livelihood of the communities. From the respor-rses
more than 70% stated their major means of livelihood to be
subsistence agriculture dfarming) only about 28% are invdved in
other occt~pationswhich are not common in the communities.
Question Six
Which Gender is mostly Associated with Migration
On the gender dimension of migration, 116 (64.5%) of the respondents maintained that the male gender is more prone to migration than the female. However, 64 (35.5%) OF the respondents stated that the female gender is more prone to migration than the male. From the result therefore, we can infer that in the three communities used as our case study, the make gender is more prone to migration than the female gender.
Question Seven
What are the major means of livelihood in- the community
Respondence- ----
-Farming - - f ishirlg _ _F _ _---- Tradinq _-- -* Others -- .------Total- - -- .------Source: Researcher's questionnaire instrument
One hundred and forty (88%) of the respondents are of the
opinion that the major means of livelihood in the community is
farming. Those who malntained that the major means of livelihood
in the community is farming are 30 in number representing 10% of
the pop~rlation. Six respondents which represents a 2Ol0 of the population are
of the view that the major means of livelihood in other community
are other things other than farming and trading. It is true that these
communities are surrounded by €be River, yet non-saw fishing as a
major means of livelihood in the area.
Question Eight
HOWoften does this rural-urban migration take place
Table 7 ------I ~ptions ------Very- often
-No often ---.A -- ( Total 159--- 100 - Source: Researcher's questionnaire instrument
One hundred and thirty-nine (87.4%) of the respondents
opined that the migration of the youth from the rural communities
take place very often. Regardless of the period of the year, people
migrate to the urban centers when they are confronted with the
conditions and opportunities for the movement.
Twenty (12.6%) of the respondents however, stated that this
movement takes place not often, showing that there must be
conditions favourable rar such movement before it can take place.
For irtstance, there must be a favourable disposition on the part of
the migrants before the movement is undertaken, 70
Responding to the question on the availability of social amenities, 80% maintained that apart from rural electrification through not cclnstant and some areas not reached; there are no social amenities in their rural community. However, respondents from Tkem stated that there is road though not tarred. However, there is an agreement that electricity in all the three communities, but health care services are not available even though there are no feeder roads which cuts across these farm settlements. The result is that their products are dumped in those remote areas and sold at the chsapest price.
One can draw from these responses that the communities where there are no social amenities, there is a high tendency of its youths to move to the urban centers where all these amenities are available, where life is more enjoyable and comfortable.
Question Nine
Does the Non-avaFlabilFty of social Amenities contribute to the Rate of Migration. Table 8
-N----- .-p- .- Total ------1-175- --j$------. - -- Source: ~esearcher's-questionnaire instrument 7 1
One hundred and thirty-six (78.2%) of the respondents opined that the non-availability of social amenities contributes to the rate of migration from the rural cornrnuniities to the urban centers, It is a factor that is very important because the rural dweller see the urban centers as the place to be after visiting urban centers during holidays, these youths dream about nothing else to live in the urban centers to enjoy uninterrupted power supply, good network of roads, free health care services and they believe that with the urban environment, it is difficult for one to fall ill. These and other thtngs are the attractive things whlch lure the youths to leave the rural areas for the urban centers.
Question Ten
The get rich quick syndrome among the youths lead to
rural-wan migration.
Table 9
---- Options
Yes
-Total - -- I Source: Researcher's questionnaire instrument
From the result of the questionnaire collected, one hundred
and twenty eight (75.3%) of the respondents stated that the quest for quick wealth among the youths in the three communities under study is a major contributory factor. However, forty-two (24.7%) did not agree with the above assertion that get rich quick syndrome leads the youths to rural migration. But from the responses, the majority of the respondents agreed that this phenomenon is the major factor that drives their youth out of the communities to acquire wealth, so much as to have many fleets of ears and own mansions every part of the country. This negative orientation have taken centre stage and event those in the primary school does hot see any dignity in hard work, nobody want to be a lawyers, teacher,
Doctor; all they want is to be rich. CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
5.1 SUMMARY
This research work has five chapters. Chapter one introduced the research work. Chapter two dealt with the review of relevant literature and research method. Chapter three focused on the study area and general information. Chapter four covered the presentation of data, analysis of the data presented, finding and discussion on the finding. Chapter five is concerried with the sumniary, recorrmendatlon and conciusion.
The introductory part of this research work which forms chapt~rone is divided into five sub-headings. The first part was the background of the problem which examined the origin of the problem under study. This examination carried with it the numerous efforts geared towards solving them. Under this sub- heading, the activities of the government at promoting agriculture and the production of cash crops in the rural areas were highlighted as one of the most effective strategy applied by the colonial masters to promote the employment of the youths in the rural areas and through that, reduce the menace of rural-urban migration. The second item under chapter ow was the statement of the problems which narrated some of the problems like lack of basic social and economic infrastructure as well as the absence of some gainful employment opportunities for the youths in the rural areas of Isi
Uzo Local Government Area, as some of the major problems that confronted the rural dwelTers in Isi-CDza. The next was the objective of the study whlch aimed at finding out the impact of the moving away of the working population from tfte rural into the urban areas of the state. The fourth item which is the significance of the study tried to show the various meaning which this conveys to the varlous categories of persons and groups directly or indirectly involved or concerned on the negative consequences of rural-urban migration as well as on the need to check this ugly trend for the purpose of achieving a meaningful rural development programme in the state.
The fifth and the final item in chapter one dealt with the scope and
limitations of study and the survey research method was employed
to show the extent of work done while the limitation dealt with the
problems and difriculties encountered within the course of this
study.
Chapter two of this research work has eight items under the
literature review and Research method as the heading. The researcher under the literature review focused attention
on the views of various authors concerning the topic which were
presented iv such a way that exposed the historical background and
persistent of the problem studied; as well as the relevant theories
relating to the topic under study. It also revealed the scenario of
the field of study as it pertained to the historical sources and
current day views of most of the academicians as is obtainable from
recent (.extbooks, journals, periodicals, seminar papers, conference
papers, as well as projects and research works. While the other
aspects of research method involves such items as hypothesis,
operationalisation of the key concepts in hypothesis, methodobgy,
theoretical framework, Method of Data Collection and Method of
Data Analysis.
Chapter three took the researcher to look at the study area
and ger~eralinformation. Here, he gave an indepth study of Isi Uzo
Local Government Area and a few communities, which aye all rural
areas. He examined extensively three towns which inctude Eha-
- Amufu, Ikern and Mbu.
The researcher furthermore observed that there is a great
difference Letween the nature and character of the migration of the
historical epoch and the contemporary pattern of migration. He also lookec' at other concepts like development, rural development, migration and population.
In chapter four, the researcher directed his efforts to the data presentation, analysis, findings and discussions of findings. In this chapter the researcher used nine tables lo analyze the questions in the questionnaire.
5.2 RECOMMENDATION
Rural urban migration is a situation which has attracted the attention of governments, scholars, interested local and international agencies. Concerted efforts have been made by the above bodies in a bid to stamp out rural urban migration over the years. The researcher in his own contribution towards the total eradication of the negative impacts of rural-urban migratlon in Isi uzo Local Government Area has made the following specific policy recommendations
That Isi 920 Local government in collaboration with Enugu
State government should use the guiding hands of state policy to make, within the limits of their resources, both rural and urban locations of the state livable and comfortable for its citizenry, This could be done through the adoption of an integrated and compreher~sivestrategy aimed at the maximal utilization of the available human and material resources in the state for the enhancement of every citizen's life chances irrespective of place of residence.
Again, the policy makers in the state should formulate adequate and effective policies that would introduce or create conditions that are conducive for tapping local potentials for resource development. One way of doing this is to formulate policies that would reduce bottlenecks, rules and procedures that largely militate against experimentation, risk-taking, creative 2nd ingenious efforts by local government officials towards solving local problems. This flexibility in the formulation and implementation of policies would help the local officials to come to grip with the incalculabFe economic and social matters that need solut'ion~at the g rassroots.
Owing to the fact that agriculture still remains the economic backbone of the nation and the largest employment of labour in Isi-
Uzo Local Government, there is a challenge placed on the
Agricultural Engineers and scientists to adequately assist in the
adoption of positive scientific measures aimed at improving
agricultural productivity. Modernized structures, improved farming
implements, storage and marketing facilities are some of the essential preconditions for such increased productivity a,. profitability which will make it profitable for the youths to reside in rural areas and yet become gainfully employed on the farm.
These communities should have the need to seek for the most conducive means of improving economic and commercial activities in their individual communities. Such means may include the establishment of daily markets in the communities because it does not exist in any of the communities. The rural-urban migration of mostly the male youths in Isi Uzo can as well be controlled thr6ugh the development of small-scale industrial supportive sector, which can utilize local raw material and enhance the overall development efforts.
As these communities have farm settlements, the focal gover-nment should join hands with the state government to
establish both primary and secondary schools in those settlements
to enable the youths to obtain basic education.
In addition, there is need for the educationists and educational
institutions in the Local government to liase with the government of
Engu State, lo develop institutional or organizational framework for
coordinating and synthesizing ideas and projects on rural
development. This requires a co-ordinated machinery at the State 79 and local government levels to establish and maintain the usually missing link between past, present and future rural development programmes, create public awareness on the part of ihe citizenv and raise the developmental consciousness of the masses - all in a bid to mobilize all and sundry for popular participation in mral development.
Both the local Government and the State Government shoulcl join hands to establish migrant schools in the rustic parts of the
Local Government so that the children there will not migrate to urban areas to attend school.
Having recommended all the above strategies, there Is still the need for further research on other determinants for rural migration and its impact on rural development in Isi Uzo Local Government until full-scale surveys are carried out, our findings should be regarded as tentative.
5.3 CONCLUSION
The researcher's efforts In this work are directed towards making attempts to deal with the phenomenon of rural-urban migration in Isi Uzo Local Government Area and all our findings so far, support the idea that the development of the rural communities
in the Local Government Area has been adversely affected by the menace of rural-urban migration in the Local Government. The findings have also shown that the neglect of the rural areas as well as the vibrant and energetic rural youths who constitute the most active section of the rural population, has consequently regarded the overall economic development of the Isi Uzo Local Government.
All the above therefore, support the idea that the time is ripe for the
Enugu State and Isi Uzo local government to twn to the rural areas for their economic and social stabilization. The real aim of this research has been to identify and propose probable workable measures to address the issue of rural-urban migration towards the mobilization of local talents, resources and all conceivable potentials to lay solid foundation for the technological and industrial take - off.
Moreover, the concept of rural development as it applied in this research work is not only useful in generating the overall
economic and technological development of the Local Government
Area, but it is also particularly needed for the improvement of the
hitherto unattractive rural conditions so as to stifle those factors
actively impelling people especially the youths, to migrate from
I-ural to urban areas.
The quest for the most enduring solutions to rural-urban
migration in Isi-Uto Local Government prompts the need for an 8 E
integmted approach, which embodies the simultaneous and co-
ordinated launching of all necessary efforts and activities towards
economic enhancement in the local government. This will, involve,
as the research findings portray the enhancement of the living
standard of the rural dwellers by improving agriculture and small-
scale industries, financial, health and other institutional facilities,
governmei-tt and technological Fnnovations, as well as recreational
and cultural opportunities.
Furthermore, a criticaf examination of the ramifications ofcthe
major findings of the research work affirms the primacy of rural
devetoprnent as a basis for providing the basic needs of the majority
of people who dwell in 1si Uzo Local Government. This research
work, therefore, expre: ;ses the pivotal need to quicken 'rural
engineering' through coordinated efforts of not on1y the
development conscious institutions but also the administrators and
the rural dwellers themselves.
From the study, if has been clearly established that an
- appropriate developmental framework is a 'sine qua non' for
generating positive attitudes not only on the part of the government
towar& efficient mobilization; of resources for rural development.
After all, these resources represent virtually all that the people of Isi
Uzo have in order to fashion Isi Uzo Local Government Area into a new era of abundance and propriety. This research work therefore represents an attempt to do some justice to the developmental aspiration and to the yearnings of those who ponder questions as they strive to find enduring solutions to the problems of rural-urban migration and rural underdevelopment in 1si Uzo Local Government
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'I'A131.1<4.2
Ikl~~c:~lionhttai~imcnt No, of Kcspondcnts I'crccn~a~cI Invalid 2 - 1.-
Sourcc : I I /\111,1: 4.5 , --I .--. . ~ .--. .. 4 Options No. or Rcspoalcnts I I'clrcnlagc Invalid 2 1 I I Invalid 6 Sourcc: Kcsearchcr's Qucstio~maircInstrument Invalid 10 Source: Kcscarchcs's Questionnaire Instrument. I am an M. Sc student or thc l>cpa~-tmcntof Public Adminlst~ration ancl l.ocal (hvcr~irncnt,Ilnivcrsity of Ni~criaNsukka. I'hc qucstionnairc is based on illy research project on the Rural M~grationand the dcvclopmcnt of Isi-U/.o 1,ocal (;ovcm~ncnl Area or 1:nugu Statc. 'I'his projcct will among other things bring out thc causcs or rural migration and possible ways oS checking the mass ~novcincntof youths to 111-bancenters as a way of solving the problem of rural ~1nderdcvclopmcn1in Ilni~guStatc. It wil\ bc apprcciatcd if you woi~ldkindly cornplctc this cluestionnairc frankly. Your view will be held in utmost confidentiality. 'I'hanlts for your co-opcl-ation. R Ogbocliic, Andrcw N. Occupation: 1:asming LIZ7 Acadcmic attainmcnl: L'rilnaly school Post primary LI7 Not ill all L7 I. What scgmcnt of thc populalion arc likcly lo migrate'? Youths LzI7 Adults 0 2. Which agc bracket is associated with I 3. What asc thc educational attainments of thc migl-ants'! 113s family sizc anything to do with the ratc or migration'? Y cs /-7 e No /7 What is the econo~iiicbackground oftlic migrants'! Very buoyant 0 Very poor 17 which gcndcr (scx) is mostly associated with ~nigration'? Male Lc7 what arc tllc major means of livelihood in tlic c_c)mmi~nity'? ~'ishing~ Trading LI7 Others /-7 I low oftcn do this rural urban migration take place'? very olicn Vcry scarcely /-7 \\'I131 soci;il anlcnitics art: avajlablc in yoi~r~o~n~ni~nity'?------ Docs thc lion-availability or social amcnitics contribute to migration'? Y cs0 'l'hc gct quick syndronic among the youths Icatl to rural 111-banmigration'! Y cs L7