Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between sibling rivalry and the decision to migrate in Tivland. The study adopted an exploratory design in which Focus Group Discussions and In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Data analysis involved summary of discussions of participants in FGDs while responses of interviewees were transcribed from a purposively selected sample. The study found that factors influencing sibling rivalry included struggle for resources such as land, inheritance, perceived favouritism in the distribution of inheritance by parents, imborivungu (witchcraft idol) and suspicion of witchcraft among siblings. The nature of this rivalry is fierce and is manifest in violent confrontation and strife, animosity, accusation and and threats of death. The destinations of siblings who migrated because of sibling rivalry are mostly rural areas within and outside the state. The study therefore recommends for intensified rural development, more research for in-depth understanding of migration patterns in the study area, and investigation into phenomenon of rural-rural migration in Tivland and the motivations for it.

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