This study was conducted in 2018 to assess the determinants of rural-urban migration in Gofer Meda sub city of Hosanna Town, South Ethiopia. For this study a descriptive cross-sectional survey design with a mixed approach was employed. A sample of 200 households from 1200 households was taken proportionally using random sampling technique. Questionnaire and key informant interview were used to collect primary data. Secondary data were collected from various sources like documents and online resources. The research used both quantitative and qualitative techniques for the data analysis. The finding of this study reveals that rural-urban migration in the town is a recent phenomenon that came into existence since 2010 G.C. The results of the study showed that youths who are likely to migrate are predominantly aged between 25 to 34 years, and earn incomes of less than 1000 Eth. Birr per month, are male, have primary education, are currently not employed. Youths migrate for a number of reasons which include the need for temporary and permanent job opportunities, access to social services and infrastructure, as well as schooling opportunities. Factor analysis showed that there are three factors which are critical in rural to urban migration and these are availability of social services in rural areas, which is likely to deter youths from migrating. However, presumed stable jobs in the towns coupled with an inauspicious social environment in rural areas are likely to give incentive to youths to migrate from rural to urban areas. Study recommended built integrated rural development strategy to increase agricultural productions by increasing rural labor productivity through improving farm technology and built housing and provide social services.

Key Words: Rural Urban Migration, Migrants, Determinants, Hosanna, SNNPR

DOI: https://ejesm.org/doi/v12i5.8