Date of Award

Spring 2021

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

School

Social Science and Global Studies

Committee Chair

Marek Steedman

Committee Chair School

Social Science and Global Studies

Committee Member 2

Mark Brockway

Committee Member 2 School

Social Science and Global Studies

Committee Member 3

Robert Press

Committee Member 3 School

Social Science and Global Studies

Committee Member 4

Ilian Iliev

Committee Member 4 School

Social Science and Global Studies

Abstract

Some of the most well-documented motivating factors of migration in Nigeria include education, employment opportunities, and cultural conflicts. However, as the deforestation crisis has not improved and Nigeria has maintained its spot as the country with the most deforestation on Earth, access to critical forest resources may be in danger. In light of this crisis, this paper attempts to determine if deforestation has become a new motivating factor for migration as those in rural communities seek other avenues of obtaining those vital resources. Subsequently, Nigeria is also experiencing a housing crisis within its rapidly growing urban centers; obtaining and keeping adequate housing is becoming more difficult as reproduction rates increase, life expectancies lengthen, and infrastructure development falls behind. Rural-urban migration rates are increasing and putting added pressure on Nigeria’s urban housing sector. Garnering a better understanding of migration motivations is now critical to mitigating these negative effects. This paper attempts to determine if deforestation is a motivating factor of migration and if so, whether the implementation of regulatory environmental policies would be effective at addressing both crises. Focusing on the year 2010 and using a quantitative analysis of statistical data via OLS linear and multiple regression methods, I conclude that deforestation is a motivating factor for some individuals and communities, but there is not yet an aggregate trend strong enough to support an environmental policy joint solution.

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2464-798X

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