The Effects of Rural Urban Migration on Agricultural Production in the Ketu-North District

Abstract

Migration is a topical issue that has caught the attention of researchers over the past few decades. There are many effects of migration, especially from rural to urban areas. The purpose of this study is to examine the causes and effects of rural-urban migration on agricultural productivity from the perspective of non-migrant farmers left behind. Data were obtained using a mixed-method approach where the instruments used in this study were a structured questionnaire and an interview guide for key informant interviews. A field survey was conducted in gathering primary data from 100 farmers in Dzodze in the Ketu-North District. Using descriptive statistics, the factors that influence out-migration, the relationship between outmigration and labour availability, the effect of out-migration on production levels and food availability are analysed. The results of the study indicate that among the farmers, unemployment is the main factor that influences out-migration from the Ketu-North District. The findings also reveal that out-migration adversely affects agriculture labour availability and production levels. Thus, increasing the cost of hired labour and reducing the potential volume of production. It is recommended that the government promotes rural industrialisation to revamp the local economy, thus creating more opportunities for the citizens. Also, adequate provision of infrastructure and social amenities to attract others into the area is needed. Finally, the government should invest in modernising the agriculture sector so as to improve the efficiency of farmers and increase production volumes.