EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF RURAL-URBAN YOUTH MIGRATION ON SMALLHOLDER FARMERS' DECISIONS: A CASE STUDY OF MATHASKA COMMUNITY, PORT LOKO DISTRICT, SIERRA LEONE

Abstract

Rural-urban youth migration is a growing phenomenon in many developing countries, and its impact on smallholder farmers' decisions is a critical issue that policymakers and development practitioners need to address. This study focuses on examining the impact of rural-urban youth migration on smallholder farmers' decisions: A case study of Mathaska community, Port Loko district, Sierra Leone. A qualitative methods approach was used to gather data for this study. The research design included a case study of the Mathaska community, involving interviews and focus group discussions with 80 participants. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select study participants, and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

The results revealed that the majority of farming household heads (52.5%) were females, and nearly all respondents (97.5%) reported having migrants within their households. The analysis demonstrated that the size of the household farm and the number of migrants in the household significantly influenced smallholder farmers' decisions regarding land use, agricultural practices, and crop choices. Additionally, the study highlighted the role of education and employment as motivating factors for youth migration in the Mathaska community. Importantly, the study concluded that remittances have a significant impact on smallholder farmers' livelihoods and agricultural activities. Remittances play a crucial role in meeting household expenses, purchasing farm inputs, supporting farm labour, and investing in education, healthcare, and small business ventures.

These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to develop strategies that promote sustainable agriculture and address the challenges associated with rural-urban youth migration and evolving agricultural practices. Furthermore, the study lays the foundation for further research and policy development in the field of sustainable agriculture and rural development.