Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Rural–Urban Labor Migration and Youth Employment: Investigating the Relevance of Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector in Employment Generation

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Palgrave Handbook of Agricultural and Rural Development in Africa

Abstract

Rural–urban drift and lack of youths’ interest in agriculture among others are possible reasons leading to the gradual disappearance of the Nigerian agriculture sector. The increasing rate of unemployment is an indication that rural–urban interactions and employment play an important role in rural transformation. Due to paucity of national data on rural–urban and labor migration, this study mainly relied on available secondary information complemented by focus group data collected from selected migrant youths who were into motorcycle riding in Ibadan in Oyo State and Abeokuta in Ogun State. Findings showed that youths migrated from rural areas to urban in search for better jobs, from agriculture to non-agriculture because the former is rigorous and tough even though with high potentials of generating employments through value chain.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abedi-Lartey, J. (2016). Causes of rural-urban migration on Sankana in the Nadowli-Kalio District of Ghana and its effects on community development. Unpublished projected for Bachelor in Natural Resource Management Nonia University of Applied Sciences, Nonia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adepoju, A. (2008). Migration and social policy in Sub-Saharan Africa February 2008 prepared for the UNRISD-IOM-IFS project on social policy and migration in developing countries.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adewale, J. G. (2005). Socio-economic factors associated with urban-rural migration in Nigeria: A case study of Oyo State, Nigeria. Journal of Human Ecology (JHE), 17(1), 14–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • AfDB, OECD, UNDP, UNECA. (2012). African economic outlook. (pp. 125–156). Retrieved online August 3, 2018, from http://www.cpahq.org/cpahq/cpadocs/The%20Employment%20Outlook%20for%20Young%20People.pdf.

  • Afolayan, A. A. (1976). Behavioural approach to the study of migration into, and mobility within the metropolitan Lagos. Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Afolayan, A. A., & Ikwuyatum, G. O. (2011). Dynamics of internal and international iobility of traders in Nigeria. Nigeria: University of Ibadan Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • African Union Commission. (2006). Strategic framework for youth empowerment and development at continental, regional and national levels. African Youth Charter. Retrieved online December 21, 2018 at https://www.africa-youth.org/frameworks/african-youth-charter/.

  • Agesa, R. U., & Sunwoong, K. (2001). Rural to urban migration as a household decision: Evidence from Kenya. Review of Development Economics, 5(1), 60–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ajaero, C. K., & Onokala, P. C. (2013). The effects of rural-urban migration on rural communities of Southeastern Nigeria. International Journal of Population Research, 1(2013), 1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). (2015). Africa agriculture status report: Youth in agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nairobi, Kenya. Issue No. 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bakewell, O., & de Haas, H. (2007). African migrations: Continuities, discontinuities and recent transformations. In L. De Haan, U. Engel, & P. Chabal (Eds.), African Alternatives. Leiden: Brill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bezu, S., & Holden, S. T. (2014). Rural-urban youth migration and informal self-employment in Ethiopia. Centre for Land Tenure Studies/School of Economics and Business Norwegian University of Life Sciences.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bodvarsson, Ö. B., & Van den Berg, H. (2013). The economics of immigration. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, Y. W. (1987). Urbanization and underdevelopment: A global study of modernization, urban bias and economic dependency. American Sociological Review, 52(2), 224–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brooks, K., Amy, G., Goyal, A., & Zorya, S. (2013). Agriculture as a sector of opportunity for young people in Africa (Policy research working papers). Washington, DC: The World Bank.

    Google Scholar 

  • Castles, S. (2012). Methodology and methods-conceptual issues. In M. Berriane & H. de Haas (Eds.), African migrations research innovative methods and methodologies (pp. 31–70). Trenton: African World Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Castles, S., & Miller, M. J. (2009). The age of migration: international population movements in the modern world (4th ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christiaensen, I. (2017). Can agriculture create job opportunities for youth? Retrieved online August 3, 2018, from http://includeplatform.net/knowledge-portal/can-agriculture-create-job-opportunities-for-youth/.

  • de Haas, H. (2010). Migration and development: A theoretical perspective. International Migration Review (IMR), 44(1), 227–264.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Haas, H. (2014). Migration theory: Quo Vadis? (DEMIG project paper 24) Published by the International Migration Institute (IMI), Oxford Department of International Development (QEH), University of Oxford. Retrieved online January 14, 2019, from https://heindehaas.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/de-haas-2014-imi-wp100-migration-theory-quo-vadis.pdf.

  • Deotti, L., & Estruch, E. (2016). Addressing rural youth migration at its root causes: A conceptual framework. Rome, FAO: Social Policies and Rural Institutions Division.

    Google Scholar 

  • European Migration Network. (2011). Circular and temporary migration empirical evidence, current policy practice and future options in Luxembourg. Available online at https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-wedo/networks/european_migration_network/reports/docs/emn-studies/circularmigration/lu_20111012_fv_circular_and_temporary_migration_en.pdf.

  • Fadayomi, T. O., & Olurinola, I. O. (2014). Determinants of labour force participation in Nigeria: The influence of household structure. Journal of Economics and Development Studies, 2(2), 169–190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Faist, T. (2000). The volumes and dynamics of international migration and transnational social spaces. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • FAO. (2016). Migration, agriculture and rural development: Addressing the root causes of migration and harnessing its potential for development. FAO, Rome. Retrieved online October 2, 2018, from http://www.fao.org/3/a-i6064e.pdf.

  • Future Directions International. (2014). Factors influencing migration and population movements–Part 1. Retrieved online November 1, 2018, from http://futuredirections.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FDI_Strategic_Analysis_Paper__Migration_and_Population_Movements_Part_1.pdf.

  • Harris, J. R., & Todaro, M. P. (1970). Migration, unemployment and development: A two sector analysis. American Economic Review, 60(1), 126–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, V. (2002). Urbanization in developing countries. World Bank Research Observer, 17(1), 89–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ikwuyatum, G. O. (2016). The pattern and characteristics of inter and intra regional migration in Nigeria. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 6(7), 114–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • ILO. (2010). International labour migration: A rights-based approach (p. 304p). Geneva: ILO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Imran, F., Nawaz, Y., Asim, M., & Hashmi, A. H. (2013). Socio-economic determinants of rural migrants in urban setting: A study conducted at city Sargodha Pakistan. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 1(2), 71–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • International Labour Organization (ILO). (2004). Towards a fair deal for migrant workers in the global economy (p. 216). Geneva: ILO.

    Google Scholar 

  • International Organization for Migration. (2010). Labour migration from Indonesia.

    Google Scholar 

  • International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2011). Glossary on migration (2nd ed.). Geneva: IOM. Available from https://publications.iom.int/books/international-migration-law-ndeg25-glossary-migration.

  • Kirwin, M., & Anderson, J. (2018). Identifying the factors driving West African migration (West African Papers, No. 17). Paris: OECD Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knodel, J., & Saengtienchac, C. (2005). Rural parents with urban children: Social and economic implications of migration on the rural elderly in Thailand (Population Study Center Research Report. 05–574). University of Michigan Institute for Social Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lipton, M. (1977). Why poor people stay poor: Urban bias in developing countries. London: Templesmith London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Macharia, K. (2003). Migration in Kenya and its impact on the labor market. Paper prepared for the Conference on African Migration in Comparative Perspective, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4–7 June.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mafukidze, J. (2006). A discussion of migration and migration patterns and flows in Africa. In C. Cross, D. Gelderblom, N. Roux, & J. Mafukidze (Eds.), Views on migration in Sub Saharan Africa (pp. 103–129). Cape Town, South Africa: HSRC Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maïga, E., Christiaensen, L., & Palacios-Lopez, A. (2015). Are youths exiting agriculture en-masse? Paper presented at the 2016 Center for the Study of African Economies Conference, Oxford, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Massey, D. S. (2014, September). Criminalizing immigration in post 9/11 era. Point of Migration, Centre for Migration and Development, Research Brief, Princeton, University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Massey, D. S., Arango, J., Hugo, G., Kouaochi, A. Pellegrino, & Taylor, J. E. (1993). Theories of international migration: A review and appraisal. Population and Development Review, 19(3), 431–466.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mbah, E. N., Ezeano, C. I., & Agada, M. O. (2016). Effects of rural-urban youth migration on farm families in Benue State, Nigeria. International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation & Technology 6(1), 14–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Narain, S., Singh, A. K., & Singh, S. R. K. (2015). Perception of farming youth towards farming. The Indian Research Journal of Extension Education, 15(2), 105–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Njeru, L. K. (2017). Youth in agriculture; perceptions and challenges for enhanced participation in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya. Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 7(8), 203–209.

    Google Scholar 

  • Njeru, L., Gichimu, B., Lopokoiyit, M., & Mwangi, J. G. (2015). Influence of Kenyan youth’s perception towards agriculture and necessary interventions: A review. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 5(1), 40–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noorani, M. (2015). To farm or not to farm? Rural youth perceptions of farming and their decision of whether or not to work as a farmer: A case study of rural youth in Kiambu County, Kenya. Retrieved online December 30, 2018, from https://ruor.uottawa.ca/handle/10393/31960.

  • Nwanna, C. (2004). Rural-urban migration and population problems in Nigeria Cities. In M. O. A. Adejugbe (Ed.), Industrialization, urbanization and development in Nigeria 1950–1999 (p. 58). Lagos-Nigeria: Concept Publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • NYPD. (2009). Second national youth policy document of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Retrieved October 10, 2019, from www.youthpolicy.org/natioanl/Nigeria.

  • Okereke, C. (2003). Urbanization. Nigeria: Skilmark Media LTD Owerri.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osabohien, R. (2018). Contributing to agricultural mix: Analysis of the living standard measurement study-integrated survey on agriculture dataset. Data in Brief, 20, 96–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osabuohien, E., Efobi, U. R., Herrmann, R., & Gitau, C. M. (2019). Female labor outcomes and large-scale agricultural land investments: Macro-micro evidence from Tanzania. Land Use Policy, 82, 716–728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.01.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osabuohien, E., Okorie, U., & Osabohien, R. (2018). Rice production and processing in Ogun State, Nigeria: Qualitative insights from farmers’ association. In E. Obayelu (Ed.), Food systems sustainability and environmental policies in modern economics (pp. 188–216). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Osita-Njoku, A., & Chikere, P. (2005). Rural-urban mmigration and the underdevelopment in selected rural communities in Imo State, Nigeria. British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science, 10(1), 1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Overseas Development Institute (ODI). (2007). Rural employment and migration: In search of decent work new thinking on rural employment is needed to create more and better rural jobs. Retrieved online January 10, 2019, from https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/6.pdf.

  • Oyebola, P. O., Osabuohien, E., & Obasaju, B. (2019). Employment and income effects of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation Agenda. African Journal of Economic and Management Studies. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEMS-12-2018-0402.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pew Research Center. (2018, February). International migration from sub-Saharan Africa has grown dramatically since 2010. Accessed September 27, 2018, from www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/02/28/international-migration-from-sub-saharanafrica-has-grown-dramatically-since-2010/.

  • Portes, A. (1999). Immigration theory for a new century: Some problems and opportunities. In: C. Hirschman et al. (Eds.), The handbook of international migration. New York: The Russell Sage Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Qin, H. (2010). Rural-to-urban labor migration, household livelihoods and the rural environment in Chongqing Municipality, Southwest China. Hum Ecology Interdisciplinary Journal, 38(5), 675–690.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rajack-Talley, T. A. (2016). Rural employment and rural development in the Caribbean. International Labour Organization, ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean. Port of Spain: ILO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rajendra, T. (2014). The rational agent or the relational agent: Moving from freedom to justice in migration systems ethics. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 18(2), 355–369. Retrieved from Loyola eCommons, Theology: Faculty Publications and Other Works, January 10, 2019, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10677-014-9522-z.

  • Ravenstein, E. G. (1885). The laws of migration. Journal of Statistical Society of London, 48(2), 167–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sjaastad, A. H. (1962). The cost and return of human migration. The Journal of Political Economy, 70(5), 80–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stark, O. (1991). Migration in LDCs: Risk, remittances and the family. Finance and Development, 28(4), 39–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stark, O. (2006). Inequality and migration: A behavioral link. Economics Letters, 91, 146–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stark, O., & Bloom, D. E. (1985). The new economics of labour migration. American Economics Review, 75, 173–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Timmer, C. P. (1988). The agricultural transformation. In H. Chenery & T. N. Srinivasan (Eds.), Handbook of development economics (Vol. 1, pp. 275–331). Amsterdam: North-Holland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Todaro, M. P. (1969). A model of labor migration and urban unemployment in less developed countries. The American Economic Review, 59(1), 138–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Todaro, M. P., & Steven, S. (2006). Economic development. Boston: Addison Wesley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomanek, A. (2011). Understanding migration. Retrieved online January 3, 2019, from http://understandingmigration.blogspot.com/2011/03/international-migration-theories.html.

  • Udo, R. K. (1975). Migrant Tenant farmers of Nigeria: A geographical study of rural migrations in Nigeria. Lagos: African University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations. (2005). Definition of youth. Retrieved September 25, 2018, from https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/documents/youth/fact-sheets/youth-definition.pdf.

  • United Nations. (2017). Population facts. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division. Available online at http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/popfacts/PopFacts_2017-5.pdf.

  • United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). (2009). African youth report 2009: Expanding opportunities for and with young people in Africa. Addis Ababa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Geest, K. (2011). The Dagara Farmer at home and away: Migration, environment and development in Ghana. Unpublished PhD Dissertation, University of Amsterdam. Leiden: African Studies Centre.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Kruk, M. (2009). Towards places of opportunity? A literature study into rural-urban migration among young people in Tanzania (Extended Essay: RSO- 80912). Wageningen University.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Bank. (2014). Agriculture overview. Retrieved October 1, 2018, from http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/overview#1.

  • World Bank. (2016). Nigeria—General household survey, panel 2015–2016, Wave 3. Retrieved January 5, 2019, from http://microdata.worldbank.org/index.php/catalog/2734/study-description.

  • Yunita, S. (2009). Perkembangan Migrasi Di Pulau Sumatera. Wahana, 1(1), 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zafar, M. I., Siddique, S., Zafa, M. U., Azim, M., & Batool, Z. (2013). Migration behavior within socio-cultural and demographic context: A case study of Faisalabad City, Pakistan. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2(2), 29–35.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria

    Abiodun Elijah Obayelu & Esther Toluwatope Tolorunju

  2. Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Oluwakemi Adeola Obayelu

Authors
  1. Abiodun Elijah Obayelu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Oluwakemi Adeola Obayelu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Esther Toluwatope Tolorunju
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

    Evans S. Osabuohien

Appendix 1: Sample of the FGD Questions

Appendix 1: Sample of the FGD Questions

Rural–Urban Labor Migration and Youth Employment: Investigating the Relevance of Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector in Employment Generation

Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Protocol

Based on the increasing rate of youth unemployment as well as rural-urban migration despite the existence of large areas of un-utilized agricultural land in Nigeria, this study attempts to assess rural-urban labor migration and youth employment looking at the relevance of agricultural sector in employment generation with sample respondents from Abeokuta in Ogun State and Ibadan in Oyo State.

This FGD protocol elicits information/data from you and the information/data obtained through this FGD would strictly be kept confidential and use only for this research purpose. Your participation in answering these questions is very much appreciated.

CONSENT

Before I start, do you have any questions or is there anything which I have said on which you would like any further clarification? May I proceed with interviewing you?

Yes □ No □

If answer is no, please state the reason for refusal

——————————————————————————–

——————————————————————————–

———————————————————————————

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. 1.

    The target respondents for the FGD are motorcyclists (Okada Riders) in Abeokuta/Ibadan.

  2. 2.

    Eight to ten participants are expected to participate in each FGD.

  3. 3.

    Consent of every participant in the FGDs would be obtained before admission to participate.

Questions

  1. 1.

    State the main reasons for migrating from rural to urban areas.

  2. 2.

    State the main reasons for migrating from agricultural works to non-agricultural works.

  3. 3.

    What is your perception on the capability of Agriculture at generating employment through each of the following: (i) Agricultural production (ii) Harvesting of crops and livestock (iii) Transportation of agricultural products (iv) Storage (v) Food and livestock processing (vi) Sales or marketing of Agricultural products (vii) Sale of agricultural inputs such as seeds and agrochemicals (viii) Making money through sale of information to farmers (ix) Creation of on-farm labor (x) Aquaculture production.

  4. 4.

    What do you think are the consequences of labor migration from agricultural to non-agricultural sectors on food production in Nigeria?

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Obayelu, A.E., Obayelu, O.A., Tolorunju, E.T. (2020). Rural–Urban Labor Migration and Youth Employment: Investigating the Relevance of Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector in Employment Generation. In: Osabuohien, E.S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Agricultural and Rural Development in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41513-6_16

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation