Abstract:
Inadequate natural resources and environmental problems have led to the migration
of different ethnic groups across the ecological zones of Nigeria. Therefore, this study
examined the economic activities of migrant rural dwellers in Irewole Area of Osun
State, Nigeria. Two communities, Wasinmi and Bamigbola were selected for the study
and 188 migrants were randomly interviewed. The result showed that the majority of
respondents were within the age range of 16-47 years, married and belong to Yoruba,
Ibo, Ashanti from Ghana, Igede (Benue State), Ibira (Kogi State) and Ngas (Plateau
State) ethnic groups. They were literate with household size of less than six and engaged
in food crop production, livestock production, trading, hired labour on farms,
transport business, processing of oil palm, cassava and other minor economic activities
like honey collection, digging of wells and sponge making. These activities were done
for both household consumption and sales. Majority of these activities are carried out
in both wet and dry seasons with the exception of hired labour, honey collection, digging
of wells and sponge making which were done during the dry season.Majority
identified inadequate funds, water supply, low sales, lack of basic amenities, health
hazards, and lack of agricultural input as major problems facing them. The relationship
between educational status and level of involvement in economic activities was
found to be significant (x2 = 7.624, p < 0.05). Significant difference also exists in economic
activities of male and female respondents (t = 2.42, p < 0.05). It is therefore recommended
that a soft revolving loan scheme, extension services and other social
amenities be provided to improve the economic activities of migrant rural dwellers.
