Rural Depopulation and its Planning Implications on the Development of Onitsha Urban Environment in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper identifies urbanization problems in Onitsha linked to drivers of rural out-migration as a prelude to understanding major causes and rationale for rural out-migration in Anambra State. Data from primary and secondary sources were analyzed using 120 retrieved questionnaires. The study adopts survey research method and simple random sampling. Analysis shows the main driver of rural out-migration is poverty and unemployment. Planning implications include serious slum, pollution, transportation, and housing problems. Simple Linear Regression Analysis determined that rural out-migration significantly affects Onitsha's urban environment (F=31.746, P=0.00000007), with R² demonstrating 84% of environmental problems stem from population expansion from rural out-migration. The research recommends comprehensive understanding of rural depopulation drivers, deploying appropriate technological solutions, and Geographic Information Systems for environmental monitoring.