Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION REMITTANCES ON THE RECEIVING HOUSEHOLDS' PRODUCTIVITY IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Junaidu Abdulkadir and Aminu Abdullahi

Abstract

Young persons from the rural areas of Nigeria who goes to the urban centers mostly rely on temporary and menial jobs as the significant avenues to escape unemployment and poverty, where as in the interim the household members they left behind expect remittances from them as well. This study was therefore aimed to investigate the impact of rural-urban migration remittances on the agricultural and non-agricultural investments and productivity of the receiving households in the rural areas of Katsina state Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed method research design where both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using a multi-stage cluster, purposive and snowballing sampling technique in determining the sample for the study. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 996 migrants sending households, and an in-depth interview was conducted with 32 persons 12 from the active migrants, returnees and community based traditional leaders. The Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, while the qualitative data was analyzed using QAQDAS. The findings revealed that, remittances received positively impact the households' agricultural productivity and investment in small and micro businesses. However, the study concluded that these positives exists as long as the households have one or more migrant sending remittances, as immediately the remittances ceased to flow due to migrants' return or ill health then whatever investment in agriculture or other investments will begin to decline in profit and capital. Thus the study recommends a progressive family planning strategy and rejuvenating the overall agricultural value chain of these rural areas.

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