ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS OF FORCED MIGRATION ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF DUTSIN-MA TOWN OF DUTSIN-MA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

This study examines the socio-economic impacts of forced migration on the socio-ecnomic development of Dutsin-Ma town, Dutsin-Ma LGA of Katsina state, Nigeria. Using the Krejcie and Morgan table of sample size distribution, a total of 382 questionnaire were administered to the respondents who have had an experience of forced migration using snowball sampling method. Also, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was conducted to complement the quantitative data. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and charts. The study revealed that majority of the respondents were male and within the age bracket of 25-34 years. The study further revealed that the major flow pattern of forced migration in Dutsin-Ma town is from surrounding villages to the main town (38.7%). On a 3-points Likert scale, the study revealed that prevailing insecurity (2.8475), continuous banditry attacks (2.7075) and economic hardship (2.5325) are the major causes of forced migration in Dutsin-Ma town. The study further explains that loss of lives and properties (2.6125), loss of privacy (2.5325) and loss of family and community members (2.4475) are the leading social impacts of forced migration in Dutsin-Ma town. The study also shows that loss of jobs and businesses (2.8375), decrease in agricultural produce (2.7715) and high cost of living are the leading economic impacts of forced migration in Dutsin-Ma town. The study recommends that Nigerian government should formulate a policy that will create an employment among the youths within the country. Also, security personnel both military and police need to be equipped with new modern sophisticated equipment. The border patrol needs to be well secured. The study finally recommends that a grant or a relief support should be provided to these forced migrants so as to reduce hardship they are going through and should be accommodated with hospitality in the host community.