ANALYSIS OF THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The study analysed the psycho-social and socio-economic impact of rural-urban migration in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Three research objectives were formulated which were to examine the factors responsible for rural – urban migration, assess the challenges faced by the rural migrants in Bauchi metropolis and to identify ways through which rural-urban migrants can be minimized. A total number of four (4) wards were selected using random sampling technique in Bauchi metropolitan area. One hundred and fifty (150) questionnaires were distributed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study adopted push and pull factors theory of migration to guide the research assumption. The research use survey design, employed quantitative techniques in which structured questionnaires were used to collect information from the respondents. The study revealed the factors responsible for rural-urban migration to include lack of social amenities in place of origin, unemployment in place of origin, disease and environmental problems, lack of conducive atmosphere for business activities/conduct and inadequate healthcare facilities. Also, the study found that low incomes, lack of basic urban services, exploitation, language barriers and the nature of domestic work to be the challenges faced migrants. The study recommended among others that basic infrastructure such as electricity, schools, pipe borne water, good roads network, improvement in quality of education, creation of credit and loan scheme, industrial modernization, technical sophistication and entrepreneurship should be put in place in the rural areas in order to improve the standard of living of the rural people and ultimately minimized rural – urban migration.