IMPACT OF RURAL INSECURITY ON URBANIZATION IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

Rural insecurity is a decussating and multi-dimensional concept that has been subject to debate. Insecurity is viewed differently by different researchers, some associating it with how it affects individual lives and existence. Urbanization is often defined as the transformation process from rural population to the urban population. Increasing insecurity in rural communities has been a threat to inhabitants of rural communities. The study examined the impact of rural insecurity on urbanization in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Data were sourced from a self-administered questionnaire to employees of the ministry of urban development and physical planning, the department of housing development Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City Local Government Areas, and private housing developers. Simple percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze the respondent's views. The study found that rural insecurity affects urbanization in Rivers State. The study recommends the need for effective leadership and good governance which can ensure political stability in River’s state to ensure an end to rural insecurity to guarantee the safety of life and properties of rural inhabitants