Constraints to Livelihood Diversification among Rural Migrants’ Households in South-Western Nigeria

This study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of rural livelihoods among migrants’ households in Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 413 migrants were selected for the study, using a multistage random sampling technique. Data pertinent to the study were gathered through structured questionnaire and subsequently analysed using appropriate statistical tools. Results of the study showed that farming was the main occupation for 44.25% of household heads, although they also engaged in various non-farm income generating activities. It was further revealed that more than half (53%) of the respondents engaged in farm activities as their major occupation, 27.75% chose non-farm as their major source of livelihood while 19.25% of the migrants’ household were into off-farm activities as their major means of livelihood. On cumulative basis, 60% of the migrants had at most three (3) income outlets. The major barriers to effective livelihood diversification in term of weighted score (ranking) as perceived by the respondents are inadequate infrastructure and insufficient livelihood assets. Others are ineffective transportation system, poor marketing systems, credit system and irregular power supply. Amongst others, the study recommends that government and other policy makers should focus on creating enabling environment by establishing micro-financial institutions to tackle the challenges of access to various livelihood assets, skills training to rural inhabitants, and developing rural infrastructure including improved roads, electricity, and market facilities. These measures would enable rural households especially the migrants to participate in various livelihood activities in order to sustain their welfare throughout the year.