Migrants' participation in entrepreneurial activities in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed migrants' participation in entrepreneurial activities in Imo State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty migrants who own businesses were selected and questionnaire administered to them. A statistical analysis of their responses indicated five major businesses pursued by the migrants. These include agricultural businesses, retail and wholesale trade, professional services, manufacturing and construction, and others. Most of the businesses declared by the migrants (45.00%) were agricultural, and the factors determining the choice of such businesses were gender, age, places settled prior to settling in Imo State, length of stay in Imo State, presence of role models, access to start-up capital and experience in business development. The migrants were mainly constrained by inadequate support from government in starting their own businesses in Imo State. In consideration of these findings, several components of national and state policies on migration that Nigeria and Imo State and their partners should address are recommended.