Abstract

Gender disaggregated data on migrant livelihood choice has been poorly documented despite the crucial role played in filling the critical labour gap created by youth outmigration from cocoa producing communities of Ondo state. The study assessed the male and female migrants? livelihood choice in Ondo state, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 220 respondents and structured interview schedule was employed to obtain information on socioeconomic characteristics, choice of on farm, off farm and non-farm livelihood activities. Data were summarised using descriptive (percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (t-test) statistics. Results revealed that 51.4 percent and 48.6 percent of the respondents were male and female with mean ages of 44.6 ?13.3 and 42.0?13.3 years respectively. The highest number of male (72.6%) were involved in 6 to 10 on-farm livelihood choices with cassava production (92.9%) being the specific choice. While (39.3%) of the female migrants were involved in one off-farm livelihood choice with agro processing (29.0%) being the specific off farm choice. Both genders had moderate level of livelihood choice and there was significant difference (t= 1.988; p? 0.05) between male and female overall choice. To achieve the social and economic aspirations of the male and female migrants, it is recommended that their livelihood options be expanded particularly in the area of off-farm and non-farm activities.

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