Determinants of Youth Rural-Urban Migration and Employment Outcomes in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Uguru Wisdom Ibor & Eteng Mbang Usang

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing youth rural–urban migration and employment results in Calabar metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. A cluster sampling methodology integrating stratified random and purposive methods was employed to guarantee representativeness. The sample size of 400 respondents was calculated from a population of 238,803 youth migrants utilising the Taro Yamane formula, with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires. Quantitative data were analysed utilising SPSS version 23, employing descriptive statistics and inferential methods such as chi-square tests, t-tests, and regression analysis. The results indicate that 67.5% of migrants were aged 20 to 29 years, with males comprising 52.5% and females 46.3%. Approximately 86.2% possessed at least a secondary education, with 46.2% holding university degrees. Nonetheless, 38.7% were unemployed, and 65.0% earned ₦50,000 or less per month, indicating economic precariousness. Migration predominantly occurred individually, with 65.0% of individuals relocating independently. The primary motivators comprised the pursuit of work (77.5%), improved living conditions (67.5%), access to educational options (61.3%), and inadequate rural infrastructure (52.5%). Results on employment indicate that a significant number of migrants are engaged in the informal sector, including street trading (25.0%) and construction (22.5%), whereas 21.3% attained regular employment. The study concludes that while migration to Calabar presents prospects for income enhancement, numerous youths continue to occupy precarious or informal employment with restricted economic mobility. The study advocates for the enhancement of rural development initiatives, the expansion of youth skill acquisition programmes, and the assistance of small enterprises to generate sustainable employment prospects and mitigate excessive rural–urban migration.

Keywords: Youth, Employment outcomes, Rural-urban migration, Informal sector, Calabar