SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFLUENCE OF RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION IN THE HOST COMMUNITY; THE CASE OF HARAR TOWN, HARARI NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

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.