Abstract

This study examined the effects of rural-urban interaction on livelihood status of rural households in selected Local Government Areas of Osun State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select a total of three hundred and two (302) respondents for the study. Using interview schedule, relevant data were collected from respondents on socio-economic characteristics, rural-urban interaction, livelihood status as well as constraints to rural-urban interaction among respondents. Relationships were also tested between rural-urban interaction and livelihood status of the respondents in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics including PPMC and Chi-square. Results of descriptive analysis revealed that 57% were male, married (89.4%) and had formal education (70.6%). Mean age, household size, years of formal education and length of residency was found as 52±11.1 years, 7±2.1 persons, 6±1.8 years and 34±10.4 years, respectively.  Majority (75.5%) visited urban centres between one and three times in a week while 75.8% were engaged in farming as primary occupation. Age (r = 0.136), household size (r = 0.156), sex (² = 7.007), marital status (² = 1152) were significantly related to livelihood status of the respondents all at p≤0.05. Strong relationship (0.603) was found between rural-urban interaction and livelihood status of respondents at p≤0.01. Poor road network was ranked highest as the most devastating constraint to rural-urban interaction in the study area.  The study concluded that rural-urban interaction had significant influence on livelihood status of the respondents in the study area; hence relevant policies formulation is imperative towards harnessing opportunities from rural-urban interaction on sustainable basis.

Key Words: Rural-urban interaction, Livelihood status, Rural households