REVERSING RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION IN ODO-OTIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OSUN STATE: A SOFT INFRASTRUCTURAL APPROACH

Abstract

Rural-urban migration among the productive age group remains a significant global concern. Hence, this study contends that addressing this challenge calls for a shift in focus from hard infrastructural facilities to soft infrastructures. By utilising available hard infrastructure and raising awareness among rural population, this approach can unlock redundant resources and create sustainable development. The study employed a structured questionnaire administered to 399 respondents, determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (tables, means, standard deviation) and inferential methods including linear regression and ANOVA, the study examined the effects of rural-urban migration in Odo-Otin local government area. Although theoretically, socio-economic, political and technological factors are expected to influence migration, findings shows limited statistical support for their impact as indicated by low F-values (F= 3.987, F= 1.765, F= 0.018 respectively). Contrary to respondents’ perceptions, field observations however, indicate that Odo-Otin LGA has a measurable level of infrastructural development that should in theory discourage migration. To unlock the potentials and mitigate excessive rural-urban migration, the study therefore locates absence of appropriate knowledge and awareness of entrepreneurial capacity among the youths, and hence stresses the need for other forms of ‘soft infrastructures’ -institutions, systems and services that are not physical in nature such as value re-orientation, and youth re-conscientisation and extension education of the rural dwellers for better awareness on how to utilise hard infrastructures that are physical and tangible structures presently available in these areas. As a new perspective in solving rural-urban migration, the study recommends that soft infrastructural initiatives like value orientation, community re-conscientisation and re-awakening, and extension education programmes, be accorded attention in rural-urban migration-development discourse. Through this approach, the tides of rural-urban migration among the productive youthful populace in Odo-Otin LGA and elsewhere can be minimized to harness the development potential of rural communities.