RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION AND ITS IMPACT ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT: CASE STUDY OF NKAFAMIYA, MICHIKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE

Gladys Yohanna Kwache, Abubakar Adamu, Hapsat Sali

Abstract


Rural-urban migration has emerged as one of the most significant demographic trends shaping the development trajectory of rural communities in northern Nigeria. This study examined the impact of rural-urban migration on rural development in Nkafamiya, Michika Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State. Employing a descriptive survey research design with a mixed methods approach, data were collected from 205 respondents drawn from a target population of 720 households through stratified proportionate random sampling. Structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were used as data collection instruments. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the dominant push factors driving out-migration from Nkafamiya include lack of social amenities, desire for better living standards, low agricultural income, poor healthcare, and inadequate educational facilities. The study further found that rural-urban migration has significantly impaired rural development in Nkafamiya by depleting the agricultural labour force, reducing local food production, diminishing community participation in development activities, and weakening social capital. The study recommends investment in rural infrastructure, creation of agro-based employment, and the strengthening of agricultural support systems as the most effective strategies for mitigating the negative developmental impact of rural-urban migration in Nkafamiya and similar rural communities across Adamawa State.


Keywords


Rural-urban migration, rural development, push factors, labour force depletion, agricultural decline, remittances, rural infrastructure.

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