10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Sub-Theme: Natural resources, climate change, and sustainable development
Rural–urban migration continues to affect the availability of agricultural labour in rural communities, with significant implications for farm productivity, household livelihoods, and rural food security. This study examined the effect of rural–urban migration on agricultural labour supply among farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified the major sources of agricultural labour available to farming households, examined the factors influencing rural–urban migration, determined its effects on agricultural labour supply, and identified coping strategies adopted by farming households in response to labour shortages. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to select 121 farming households from Asa, Ifelodun, and Ilorin South Local Government Areas of Kwara State. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means. Findings revealed that immediate family members (89.3%), hired casual labourers (86.0%), and mechanized services (82.6%) were the major sources of agricultural labour. Unattractive agricultural work, low farm income, and lack of rural employment opportunities were identified as the major drivers of rural–urban migration. Migration was found to reduce the availability of youthful and skilled labour, increase labour costs, and slow down farm operations, thereby affecting overall agricultural productivity. To cope with these labour shortages, farmers adopted labour-saving technologies, hired external labour, relied on remaining family members, and adjusted farming schedules. The study concluded that rural–urban migration significantly affects agricultural labour availability among farming households in Kwara State. It therefore recommends policies that improve rural employment opportunities, infrastructure, and agricultural support services to reduce migration pressures and sustain agricultural productivity.