Study of Seasonal Labour Migration Effects on Farming Communities in Kebbi State

Seasonal labour migration from farming communities in North West Nigeria affects agricultural productivity and household welfare in both sending and destination areas, and its documentation in Kebbi State provides evidence for policy balancing mobility rights and agricultural resilience. This study examined the patterns and impacts of seasonal labour migration in Aliero, Augie, and Suru Local Government Areas, Kebbi State, during the dry season when migration was most prevalent. A cross-sectional survey of 280 households collected data on migration frequency, duration, destination, income earned, remittance amounts, impact on farm operations, and household welfare. Seasonal migration prevalence was 47.1 percent of adult male household members. Most migrants moved to Kano and Abuja for casual urban labour (67.8 percent). Mean remittance sent home was N28,400 per dry season. Agricultural tasks were significantly delayed on farms with migrated household heads, reducing crop yields by an estimated 18.3 percent. However, migrant households showed higher total household consumption despite farming losses. Female household heads managing in migrants' absence reported increased workload burdens. Recommendations include seasonal migration support services, off-season farm income diversification, formal remittance channels in rural Kebbi LGAs, and agricultural mechanisation initiatives to reduce farm labour dependency during migration periods.

Keywords: seasonal migration, farming communities, Kebbi State, remittances, agricultural productivity