Abstract:
In developing countries, like Ethiopia, rural-urban migration affects socio –economic realities
in both urban and rural areas. This study aims at identifying the major consequences of the
movement of people from rural to urban areas in host community. Particularly, the study
examined the socio-economic influence of rural-urban migration on the residents of Harar
town, the capital of Harari National Regional State. The study covered Hakimo, Shinkor,
Abadir, Jinla, Amir Nur and AbokerKebeles administrations of Harar town. Kebeles were
selected by simple survey using simple random sampling methods. It employed a mixed
methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 392 selected households using
questionnaire, while qualitative data were gathered from purposively selected 8 key informant
interviews and 2 focus group discussions. The findings showed that socio economic of
influence rural-urban migration on lives of the Harar towen dwellers become increasing in
different aspect. Rural migrants came to urban areas in search of employment as well as to
get better urban services and facilities. Due to this fact, migrants have created pressure on the
socio economic and environmental pollution of the host area. As a result, the residents of the
town of Harar experience aggravated problems in terms of shortage of housing, health
problem, cultural impacts, unemployment, and created pressure on access of social services,
increased crime rate, and expansion of urban informal sectors. Based on the research findings
and, there were an influence of migration on urban life and responsible bodies should
contribute their share on the problems of awareness creation for city community.
