This paper examines the determinants and effect of rural-urban migration in Kwara state, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics was used to
describe the sample characteristics as well as the personal characteristics of the migrants. Econometric techniques, including logistic
and Ordinary Least Square regression analyses were used to analyze the determinants and effect of rural-urban migration in the
study area. The results show that majority (81.8%) of the migrants are young adults and are within the age range of 20-40 years. The
quest for further education(16.4%) and search for employment opportunities(30%) are the major reasons for rural-urban migration.
Econometric analysis shows that households with older head are more likely to produce more migrants than those with younger
head. Migration has a negative effect on farm output generally due to reduced labour available for farm work. On the other hand, it
has a positive effect on total household’s income, due to the remittances sent home by the migrants. Establishment of more schools
and small-scale industries in the rural areas is recommended so as to discourage the migration of the young adults that may want to
leave as a result of the quest for educational or employment opportunities.