EFFECT OF RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY IN AWE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Rural-urban migration has become a pervasive phenomenon in Nigeria, as well as other African countries, with significant implications for agriculture and food security. Agriculture and food security challenges have been a critical issue of human concern, with the increasing internal migration as a consequence of kidnapping and internal pressure on scarce resources. The study assessed the effect of rural-urban migration on agriculture and food security in Awe LGA, Nasarawa state with specific emphasis on the push factors driving rural-urban migration on agricultural productivity and food security in the area. The study used neo-Malthusian theory as its theoretical framework and adopted cross-sectional survey design/multistage sampling technique and used questionnaire as the instrument for collection of primary data. 204 sample were selected using Yamane (1967) formula. The study discovered that certain factors such as the level of insecurity like the recent upsurge of kidnapping as well as the desire for gainful employment, natural disasters like flood are responsible for the rise in rural-urban migration in the area. The study also discovered that rural-urban migration has effect on agricultural activities and food security in Awe L.G.A. The study recommends gathering of information about the migrant coming in and out of the LGA for agricultural activities and enforcement of laws (forest guards) prohibiting invasion by herdsmen into farmlands in Awe L.G.A.