ABSTRACT

The study seeks to find out the causes of migration in Sankana (a rural community) to urban cities and the effects it has on community mobilization, community participation and on the extended family system in Sankana.

The study is both a qualitative and a quantitative research, which was done by sampling a small proportion of the population of Sankana. Interview schedule, interview guide and a focus group discussion guide were used to collect data from participants. The sampling process involved non-probability purposive sampling technique and purposive sampling technique. The sample of the purposive sampling technique included chiefs and elders, opinion leaders, community members and district assembly members.

The study found out that, the causes of migration was mainly due to poverty, followed by lack of education, lack of social amenities and unpredictable rainfall patterns in that order. It was also established that migration did have a negative influence on community mobilization, community participation and on the extended family system.

1      Introduction

Migration is defined as the movement of people from one geographical location to another for a purpose (National Geography Society, 2005). The process of people migrating to other areas in search of a better life is not a new thinking. However, what has gained recognition is the increasing voluntary movement in quest of quality of life by low-skill and low-wage workers as well as high-skill and high-wage workers from less developed rural areas to more developed urban areas, especially among the poor in the developing countries (Ajaero & Onokala, 2013). According to Bahns (2005), about half of the population in the world resides in cities and urban areas, and the population in cities is hypothesised to be around one million every year. Bahns reiterate that most of these migrants have migrated from other parts of the country, particularly from the rural areas. Adding to Bahns (2005) assertion, Dao (2002) contend that the rate of current urban population growth has reached up to 6% every year in many African countries, including Ghana (Accra), Nigeria (Lagos), and Kenya (Nairobi).

Consequently, one of the most noteworthy demographic phenomena faced by many developing countries is the rapid population growth in the urban centres, largely caused by the prevalence of rural-urban migration (Agesa & Kim, 2001).