Determinants of Rural Exodus and Its Implications on Food Security in Nkambe Central, North West Region of Cameroon

This paper aimed to assess the determinants and implications of rural exodus on food security in Nkambe Central. The specific objectives were to analyze the determinants of rural exodus and to determine the effect of rural exodus on food security in Nkambe Central. The target population was households in Nkambe Central whose at least one member had migrated to the urban areas. We adopted a stratified sampling technique with a sample size of 204 respondents. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using an ordinary least square regression analysis. Findings from the determinants of rural exodus revealed that age, marital status, religion, availability of higher education facilities, and job opportunities in urban areas were found to have a positive influence on rural exodus. Also, push factors such as political instability, natural disasters, and lack of social and health amenities were positively associated with rural exodus. Regarding the effects of rural exodus on food security, the study found that rural exodus negatively affects food security in Nkambe Central. It was recommended that; investment should be made in irrigation systems to improve agricultural productivity, and the government should provide social amenities in Nkambe such as good hospitals, and higher institutions to reduce rural exodus and boost food security in Nkambe.