Causes, Direction and Pattern of Out-Migration in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The study examines the causes, age-selectivity, direction and pattern of out-migration in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The research data were obtained through questionnaire administered to 263 heads of household selected via systematic sampling technique. Results were presented in tables using frequencies and percentages. The finding shows that migration is ongoing and common among the age cohort 18-40 years. The major pattern of migration is rural-urban migration while movements are directed towards large towns and cities in Benue State, Nigeria and beyond. This has reduced rural population in favour of urban areas since a number of youths eludes the rural areas for white collar jobs, education and social attractions in urban destinations. The causes of migration are inadequate jobs and access to education in rural areas, rural hardship and crises, while occupation, access to education, business and transfer among others attract people to urban centres. The author recommends creation of job opportunities, provision of social amenities like schools and spreading these facilities across the length and breadth of the rural areas, establishing agro-base (cottage) industries in rural areas rather than concentrating them in urban centres, empowering the rural youths through agricultural mechanization, loans and subsidies. This will help in reducing rural-urban migration thus developing the rural areas in Otukpo L.G.A. and beyond.