Socioeconomic Determinants of Livelihood Income Shares of Rural Migrant Households in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

There is a consensus that most rural migrants get involved in multiple income-generating activities, but there is little or no evidence on factors affecting the level of income shares generated from the different livelihood activities of the rural migrants. The total household income is the aggregate measure of all the outcomes of all activities (farm, non-farm, off-farm) the household is engaged in. The objectives of the study are to examine the level of human, social, natural and physical, and financial endowments among migrant households in the study area and estimate the determinants of livelihood income shares of rural migrant household heads. This study estimated the determinants of livelihood income shares of rural migrant households in Southwestern Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states were purposively selected from the six states of the South-west, Nigeria. 20% of the rural LGAs were selected in each state. 10% of wards in each LGA were selected, where a sampling frame was created for migrant households, 40% of households on the sampling frames were selected to arrive at 413 respondents. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents to collect data on generational status, duration of stay, household assets, livelihood activities and income generated and the major source of income of rural migrants.  Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a multivariate regression model. The mean age and household size were 49.97 years and 7 persons, respectively.  The majority (76.75%) of the respondents were first-generation migrants. The mean duration of stay in various locations was 29.51 years. The majority (55%) of household heads chose farming as their main occupation. The study suggested that respondents participate in three primary income-generating activities: farming, non-farm, and off-farm activities. Although farming is the primary occupation for most households, the majority have reasonably diversified income sources, recognising that sole reliance on farming may not sustain their desired livelihoods. The major factors that determine migrant households’ choice of non-farm activities and off-farm over farm activity were the size of land holdings.  Therefore, policy on rural development should follow a multidimensional approach to enable rural households to sustain their livelihoods and also contribute to agricultural development and food security throughout the year.