Sarcouncil Journal of Agriculture

Abstract: The study investigated the effects of rural–urban migration on nonfarm income-generating activities among farming households in Delta State, Nigeria. It focused on identifying the types and number of such activities before and after household members migrated, examining the causes of migration, and determining its overall effects. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 346 rural household heads, and data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews. Analysis involved frequency, percentages, mean, and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that prior to and after migration, respondents were largely engaged in petty trading (80.64%), transportation (73.98%), rental business (59.82%), and casual labor (58.96%). Major causes of migration included search for better job opportunities, access to education, poor social amenities, and underdevelopment. The effects of migration were evident in skill acquisition for nonfarm activities (mean = 3.12), remittance inflows (mean = 3.03), labor shortages (mean = 2.98), increased rural product demand from migrants (mean = 2.76), and human capital loss (mean = 2.66). Chi-square results confirmed a significant relationship in the types and number of nonfarm income activities before and after migration (p = 0.001, df = 16). The study recommended government, NGOs, and private sectors prioritize rural development, job creation, and skill acquisition centers to reduce rural-urban migration.