Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

Food Security and Coping Strategies of Migrants in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria

Providence Ekelemchukwu Mathias, Royal Ihunma Mathias & Bentina Alawari Mathias

Abstract

This paper examined the issue of migration and food security in Port Harcourt city. Port Harcourt is one of the fastest growing industrial centers in Nigeria. A sample of 200 respondents was selected using the purposive sampling technique. The study showed that as a result of development in the oil industry, the city attracts indigenes and nationals of other countries - both skilled and unskilled persons who come to look for employment. It was also found that unemployment, hunger and poverty is high in the city. Thus, as a coping mechanism, most migrants receive food from relatives in the rural area while others practice urban agriculture and petty trading. In order to reduce the economic pressure on the city, the paper suggests among other things that rural areas be developed in such a way that it will attract investments. This according to the paper will create job opportunities in the rural areas and reduce the movement of people to the urban centers and also provide enough food crops to the city.

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