Survey of Seasonal Migration and Its Effects on Farm Management in Adamawa State

Seasonal migration for off-farm income is a well-documented household strategy in regions facing agricultural stress, but its dual effect on farm management outcomes requires examination in specific Nigerian contexts. In Adamawa State, in the North East geopolitical zone, seasonal out-migration by male household members during agricultural peak periods has implications for farm labour availability, management decision-making, and crop output. This study surveys the patterns of seasonal migration and assesses its effects on farm management in Adamawa State. A sample of 125 farming households, stratified by migrant and non-migrant status, was selected from three local government areas. Structured questionnaire data were supplemented with community-level focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and group comparison tests were applied. Findings indicate that 43 percent of male household heads in the sample had migrated for at least one month during the last farming season. Migrant households reported lower weeding frequency, delayed planting dates, and greater reliance on female and child labour for farm operations. Output per hectare was 22 percent lower in migrant households compared to non-migrant households for the same crop types. However, remittances partially compensated for income losses through enabling input purchases in subsequent seasons. The study recommends the promotion of contract farming arrangements and community labour exchange programmes to address seasonal labour gaps in Adamawa State without requiring household members to migrate during critical farm periods. Keywords: seasonal migration, farm management, labour availability, Adamawa State, rural households