(PDF) The Effect of Migration on Family Ties (a Case Study of Aguleri, Anambra State)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background Of The Study

Migration may be described as the movement of individuals from one location to another, and the length of time spent in the new location can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the motivations of the migrants. The push and pull factor may be used to define the need of individuals migrating (Démurger, 2015). The term “pull factor” refers to a known attraction in a destination country that drives an individual to leave his or her home country, while the term “push factor” refers to a forceful reason why an individual leaves his or her country of origin due to various reasons such as a terrorist attack, disaster, or famine. Migration may take place either inside a country or between countries. “Internal Migration” refers to the movement of people inside the natural limits of a given country, while “International Migration” refers to the movement of people from one country to another over international boundaries (Mohammed 2016). The country of Nigeria will serve as our case study as we investigate the effects that international migration has had on the families that have been left behind, specifically whether those effects have been beneficial or detrimental. It was reported in 2005 that Nigeria had a population growth rate of 132 million, and it is a nation in Africa that has a high population. The population census was carried out in 2005 (Mberu 2005). As a result of this population growth rate’s continued ascent, there has been an unprecedented uptick in the number of people entering the labor market, and the economy simply cannot keep up with the expanding human population. This has a negative migration on the lives of a great number of people, which ultimately results in these individuals migrating in order to make a better livelihood and be able to provide for themselves and any families they have to leave behind. According to Démurger (2015), the migrating of a member of the family may have either a beneficial or a detrimental impact on those who are left behind, depending on the circumstances that surround the person. [Citation needed] The migration of one member of a family is an added advantage because it brings an additional income to the family, which helps alleviate poverty, helps in building investments and creating infrastructure, helps support in household consumption, improves healthcare for parents left behind who may be sick, and can also play a role in providing children with an education in developing countries like Nigeria. Additionally, the psychological upheaval that may occur in the lives of children who are left behind when one parent migrates might be attributed to the migrating of another family member. if the migrant was the primary caregiver for the child, because the child’s absence from the home may cause the child to become severely withdrawn and may have a negative impact on the academic performance of the child, which may result in the child dropping out of school if the situation is not properly monitored.

Statement Of The Problem

In the rural areas of Nigeria, where farming is the primary source of income for the majority of the population, the migration of a member of the family who is economically successful and active can place a significant burden on the members of the family who remain behind because they must now compensate for the loss of employment. This will cause them to spend more time on chores that initially required a shorter amount of time to fix and complete (Démurger, 2015). Migration may take place either inside a country or between countries. “Internal Migration” refers to the movement of people inside the natural limits of a given country, while “International Migration” refers to the movement of people from one country to another over international boundaries (Mohammed 2016). This research will place a significant emphasis on the direct impact that migration has on the families of emigrants, including the children, spouses, and parents who remain behind.

Objectives Of The Study

The objective is to conduct in-depth research on the effect of migration on family ties in Aguleri, Anambra State. The study will be guided by the specific objectives;

1. Ascertain the prevalence of migration among Agulerians.

Research Hypotheses

The following statements will be validated in the course of this study;

Ho1: Migration has no effect on the well-being of children left behind by migratory parent(s).

Ho2: Migration has no effect on the health of the parents left behind.

Ho3: Migration has no effect on the spouses left behind.

Significance Of The Study

This research provides information on the effect migration has had on family relationships in Nigeria. Additionally, it provides an insight into the negative effect migration has had on family members who have remained in the nation of origin.

Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as literature review. This means that, other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to the impact of migration on family ties in Nigeria.

Scope Of The Study

This study is structured to generally examine the effect of migration on family ties in Aguleri, Anambra State. However, the study will further show the prevalence of migration among Agulerians, determine the effect of migration on the well-being of children left behind by migratory parent(s), determine the effect of migration on the health of the parents left behind, and determine the effect of migration on the spouses left behind. The respondents for this study will be obtained from residents in Aguleri, Anambra State.

Limitation Of The Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

Definition Of Terms

Migration: Migration can be defined as people moving from a particular place to another which could be temporary or permanent, this is dependent on an individual reason.