Effects of Demographic Factors on Population Dynamics in Imo State, Nigeria; Implications for Farm Labor Availability and Supply

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of demographic factors on population dynamics in Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used select 60 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the ordinary least square regression technique. Results showed that the area was dominated by female farmers 56.7%, and are married 66.7%. Most of the farming lands used was inherited, with more of hired laborers 76.7% used due to rural-urban drift. Results also showed that over 70% of the people migrated from rural to urban communities. Result further showed that age, gender, educational status, income level and poverty index were important and significant factors affecting population dynamics (expressed as index of rural–urban migration). The study recommended the crop farmers to join cooperative societies to raise funds to support large-scale production while the government is to provide basic rural infrastructures to checkmate rural-urban drift in the area.