Socioeconomic Effects of Urban–rural Migration on Rural Communities in Enugu South Lga, Enugu State, Nigeria

Urban–rural migration has become an increasingly important demographic and socioeconomic phenomenon in Nigeria due to worsening urban living conditions and the growing attractiveness of rural and peri-urban communities. Rising unemployment, high cost of living, insecurity, housing shortages, and infrastructural pressure within major urban centers have contributed significantly to the increasing relocation of urban residents into surrounding rural settlements. This study examined the socioeconomic effects of urban–rural migration on rural communities in Enugu South Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu State. Specifically, the study identified the major push and pull factors influencing migration and assessed the effects of migration on income levels, housing conditions, access to basic services, and community development within the study area. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations from 400 respondents selected across Amechi, Ugwuaji, Akwuke, and Obeagu communities using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26). Findings revealed that high cost of living (32.34%), unemployment (27.48%), and insecurity (21.55%) were the major push factors influencing migration, while availability of land (29.12%), lower living costs (25.67%), and family ties (21.34%) constituted the dominant pull factors. The study further revealed that migration contributed positively to housing development, local economic activities, and settlement expansion within the study area. However, migration also intensified pressure on infrastructure and social services such as roads, electricity supply, healthcare facilities, water systems, and waste disposal services. Chi-square analysis showed significant relationships between migration and socioeconomic conditions within the study area (p ≤ 0.05). The study concluded that urban–rural migration significantly influences rural transformation and socioeconomic development in Enugu South LGA. The study recommended increased investment in rural infrastructure, effective land-use planning, livelihood support programmes, and community-based development strategies to ensure sustainable rural development.