Migration Pattern and Poverty: A Spatio-Temporal Study in Selected Parts of Katsina State

Abstract

This study examined and analyzed migration pattern in some parts of Katsina State with a view of investigating the characteristics of people involved and the pattern and trends of migration and analyzed the causes and factors responsible for migration in the area. The number of rural populaces in the state that migrate to cities with high hopes of overcoming poverty is unprecedented. Purposive sampling was used in which only those affected by frequent migration were involved, 80 questionnaire were administered in the 12 wards that were selected systematically according to the inventory and population of the wards in the L.G.A, in which 10 questionnaires were administered in each of the four wards located outside the city and 5 in each of the other 8 wards selected. The data generated were analyzed, described, interpreted and summarized using descriptive statistic. The result of this study reveals that the categories of people involved are youth; however, female only migrated as a result of marriage and visitation or other forms of temporary movement, thus most of the motives for the movements of youth are economic in searched of greener pasture. Again, the nature and period of migration of the respondents is seasonal. The geographic pattern of migration in this area is rural[1]urban migration pattern and the trends are fluctuating toward rural direction with slight increase and decrease and it indicates higher inclination toward urban direction. The study recommends the need for government to expand employment opportunities in the rural areas by investing more in small scale and medium scale labor intensive industries. Also, efforts must be maximized towards the agricultural development and the improvement of the rural economy.