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Population Migration Causes and Effects

17 questions

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Question 1Question →

In population geography, various factors compel individuals to relocate from their place of origin or attract them to a new destination. Which of the following is classified as a push factor triggering rural-to-urban migration in West Africa?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Frequent crop failures resulting from persistent drought and severe soil degradation

Answer

Frequent crop failures resulting from persistent drought and severe soil degradation
The correct answer identifies frequent crop failures caused by drought and soil degradation as a push factor. Push factors encompass negative, adverse, or compelling circumstances at the origin area—such as environmental collapse, unemployment, or poor agricultural yield—that compel individuals to move away.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define push factors in population geography
Push factors are adverse or unfavorable conditions existing at a person's place of origin that compel or drive them to migrate away.
Distinguishing origin-based negative pressures (push) from destination-based positive attractions (pull) is fundamental to migration theory.
2
Evaluate the options against push factor criteria
Agricultural failure due to drought and degraded soil directly threatens rural livelihoods at the origin, forcing inhabitants to seek alternatives elsewhere.
Environmental degradation and food insecurity act as classic rural push factors driving outward movement.

Key Concept

Classification of migration push factors versus pull factors
Estimated Time:45s
Question 2Question →

In an agricultural district in West Africa, prolonged seasonal droughts and declining crop yields have prompted a massive out-migration of young working-age adults to coastal industrial cities. Which of the following best evaluates the primary demographic and economic consequence of this migration stream on the rural source community?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: A sharp increase in the rural economic dependency ratio as the proportion of non-working age inhabitants rises relative to the active labor force.

Answer

The primary consequence on the rural source area is a sharp increase in the economic dependency ratio as the proportion of non-working age inhabitants (children and the elderly) increases relative to the remaining productive workforce.
The selective out-migration of young, economically active adults directly reduces the denominator of the working-age population. Consequently, the relative proportion of non-working children and elderly relatives increases, elevating the economic dependency ratio and causing labor shortages in rural agriculture.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the migration stream composition
Selective out-migration primarily removes young adults (economically active age cohort, typically 15–59 years) from the rural origin.
Rural-urban drift in developing regions is demographically selective, attracting young workers seeking urban employment.
2
Evaluate demographic ratio shifts
The proportion of dependents (individuals aged under 15 and over 60) relative to the active labor force increases.
The dependency ratio formula is defined as \(\frac{\text{Pop}_{<15} + \text{Pop}_{\ge 65}}{\text{Pop}_{15-64}} \times 100\). A shrinking denominator elevates the overall ratio.
3
Determine economic impacts on the source area
Rural agricultural productivity declines due to labor shortages, while social burden on remaining workers rises.
Fewer working hands must support a higher relative number of dependents, leading to economic strain on the rural origin.

Key Concept

Demographic Effects of Rural-Urban Migration on Source Regions
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 3Question →

Continuous selective out-migration of young adults from rural farming communities to major urban industrial hubs primarily affects the demographic structure of the sending region. Which of the following consequences is directly observed in the rural area of origin?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: An increase in the overall dependency ratio due to a higher proportion of elderly and children remaining

Answer

An increase in the overall dependency ratio due to a higher proportion of elderly and children remaining
Rural-to-urban migration is highly age-selective, primarily pulling young, economically active individuals away from rural communities. As a consequence, the rural origin experiences an increase in its dependency ratio because the remaining population consists disproportionately of dependents—specifically young children and the elderly—supported by fewer local working-age individuals.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the migrating demographic cohort
Rural-to-urban migration is age-selective, predominantly involving young adults in the economically active working age bracket (typically 15–45 years).
Young adults move in search of tertiary education, employment, and better socio-economic opportunities.
2
Analyze the impact on the demographic composition of the rural origin
The departure of working-age individuals leaves a higher concentration of dependents (children under 15 and elderly individuals over 65) in the rural area.
The dependency ratio formula is Dependency Ratio=Population <15+Population >65Working Age Population (15–64)×100\text{Dependency Ratio} = \frac{\text{Population } < 15 + \text{Population } > 65}{\text{Working Age Population (15--64)}} \times 100. Shrinking the denominator increases the overall ratio.

Key Concept

Demographic impacts of age-selective migration on source communities
Question 4Question →

Match each population migration pattern or stream listed on the left with its primary socio-economic or environmental driver on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Rural-urban drift in West Africa
Eco-refugee movement in the Sahel
International brain drain
Seasonal pastoral transhumance

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Rural-urban drift matches with urban-rural wage gap and social amenities; Eco-refugee movement matches with severe desertification and land degradation; International brain drain matches with search for higher professional remuneration and research facilities; Seasonal pastoral transhumance matches with cyclical search for water and pasture for livestock.
Each migration stream is correctly paired with its defining primary driver: rural-urban drift is driven by urban employment and amenity advantages, eco-refugee movements by Sahelian land degradation, brain drain by professional economic incentives abroad, and transhumance by seasonal livestock grazing needs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze rural-urban drift in West Africa
Identify that young migrants relocate to urban areas mainly due to wage disparities and better public utilities.
Economic attraction and wage differentials are the major pull factors for internal economic migration.
2
Examine eco-refugee movement in the Sahel
Associate environmental forced migration with climatic threats like drought and desertification.
Livelihood collapse due to land degradation acts as a compelling physical push factor.
3
Evaluate international brain drain
Connect skilled labor migration to wage disparities and advanced professional facilities abroad.
High-level manpower moves to countries offering better career compensation and research environments.
4
Assess seasonal pastoral transhumance
Pair periodic livestock movement with seasonal changes in grazing pasture and water.
Pastoralists follow wet and dry season resource cycles to sustain their herds.

Key Concept

Push and pull factors governing population migration, distinguishing between economic, environmental, professional, and seasonal mobility patterns.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 5Question →

A semi-urban local government area in Nigeria recorded a total mid-year population of 500,000500,000 in a specific census year. During this period, the area recorded 18,50018,500 in-migrants and 8,5008,500 out-migrants. What is the net migration rate per 1,0001,000 population for this area?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 20

Answer

The net migration rate for the area is 2020 per 1,0001,000 population.
The net migration rate is calculated using the demographic formula Net Migration Rate=In-migrants−Out-migrantsTotal Population×1,000\text{Net Migration Rate} = \frac{\text{In-migrants} - \text{Out-migrants}}{\text{Total Population}} \times 1,000. Substituting the given values gives 18,500−8,500500,000×1,000=10,000500,000×1,000=20\frac{18,500 - 8,500}{500,000} \times 1,000 = \frac{10,000}{500,000} \times 1,000 = 20 per 1,0001,000 population.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Find the net migration volume
Net Migration Volume = 10,00010,000 people
Net migration represents the net gain or loss of population through movement into and out of an area, calculated as in-migrants minus out-migrants (18,500−8,50018,500 - 8,500).
2
Calculate the Net Migration Rate (NMR) per 1,0001,000 inhabitants
NMR = 2020 per 1,0001,000 population
The rate standardizes population growth from migration per thousand people using the formula NMR=(I−EP)×1,000\text{NMR} = \left(\frac{I - E}{P}\right) \times 1,000, where I=18,500I = 18,500, E=8,500E = 8,500, and P=500,000P = 500,000.

Key Concept

Net Migration Rate Calculation
Question 6Question →

During a five-year demographic survey period, a coastal region in Nigeria recorded an initial total population of 1,200,0001,200,000. Over this period, total live births were 150,000150,000 and total deaths recorded were 70,00070,000. At the end of the five years, a census established the total population at 1,340,0001,340,000. Assuming no other vital statistics apply, calculate the net migration (the net gain of in-migrants over out-migrants) experienced by the region over this period.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 60000

Answer

The net migration for the region over the five-year period is 60,000 migrants.
According to the fundamental demographic balancing equation, total population change equals natural increase (births minus deaths) plus net migration. With an overall population growth of 140,000140,000 and a natural increase of 80,00080,000, the remaining gain of 60,00060,000 represents net inward migration.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Calculate the total overall population growth (ΔP\Delta P)
ΔP=1,340,000−1,200,000=140,000\Delta P = 1,340,000 - 1,200,000 = 140,000
Total change in population is the final census figure minus the initial base population.
2
Calculate the natural increase (NINI)
NI=Births−Deaths=150,000−70,000=80,000NI = \text{Births} - \text{Deaths} = 150,000 - 70,000 = 80,000
Natural increase measures population growth resulting purely from vital events (births and deaths).
3
Apply the demographic balancing equation to isolate Net Migration (NMNM)
NM=ΔP−NI=140,000−80,000=60,000NM = \Delta P - NI = 140,000 - 80,000 = 60,000
Any population growth beyond natural increase is attributed to net migration (in-migrants minus out-migrants).

Key Concept

Demographic Balancing Equation and Net Migration Calculation
Question 7Question →

An agricultural district in West Africa experiences severe land degradation, compelling a significant portion of its economically active population to relocate. Prior to migration, the district recorded 40,00040,000 children (aged 0–14), 10,00010,000 elderly citizens (aged 65+), and 100,000100,000 working-age adults (aged 15–64). If out-migration permanently reduces the working-age population by 50%50\% while the non-working dependent population remains unchanged, which of the following correctly evaluates the demographic impact on the sending region's dependency ratio and classifies the primary migration driver originating at the rural source?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The demographic dependency ratio doubles from 50%50\% to 100%100\%, driven by an environmental push factor at the origin.

Answer

The demographic dependency ratio doubles from 50%50\% to 100%100\%, driven by an environmental push factor at the origin.
The baseline dependency ratio is calculated as (Children+ElderlyWorking-Age)×100=(50,000100,000)×100=50%\left( \frac{\text{Children} + \text{Elderly}}{\text{Working-Age}} \right) \times 100 = \left( \frac{50,000}{100,000} \right) \times 100 = 50\%. Following the 50%50\% out-migration of working-age adults, the workforce drops to 50,00050,000, raising the dependency ratio to (50,00050,000)×100=100%\left( \frac{50,000}{50,000} \right) \times 100 = 100\%. Additionally, land degradation is a negative environmental condition at the source region, rendering it a classic push factor.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Calculate the initial dependent population and baseline dependency ratio.
Total initial dependents = 40,000+10,000=50,00040,000 + 10,000 = 50,000. Baseline Dependency Ratio = (50,000100,000)×100=50%\left( \frac{50,000}{100,000} \right) \times 100 = 50\%.
Dependency ratio measures the ratio of non-working dependents (aged 0–14 and 65+) per 100 working-age people (aged 15–64).
2
Calculate the new working-age population after out-migration and compute the updated dependency ratio.
New working-age population = 100,000×(1−0.50)=50,000100,000 \times (1 - 0.50) = 50,000. New Dependency Ratio = (50,00050,000)×100=100%\left( \frac{50,000}{50,000} \right) \times 100 = 100\%.
Out-migration reduced the denominator (workforce) by half while leaving the numerator (dependents) constant.
3
Identify the nature of the migration driver originating at the rural area.
Severe land degradation at the place of origin is an unfavorable condition forcing people away, which is an environmental push factor.
Push factors are negative conditions at the place of origin that compel individuals to move away.

Key Concept

Demographic Dependency Ratio and Push-Pull Migration Factors
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 8Question →

In population geography, various social, economic, and environmental conditions influence the movement of individuals from rural settlements to urban centers. Which of the following represents a push factor that drives rural-to-urban migration?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Lack of gainful employment opportunities and poor social infrastructure in rural villages

Answer

Lack of gainful employment opportunities and poor social infrastructure in rural villages
The correct answer identifies negative conditions existing at the point of origin—specifically rural unemployment and inadequate infrastructure. In population migration, push factors are disadvantages of an origin area that motivate residents to move away.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the geographical concept of a migration push factor.
A push factor is an unfavorable condition at a migrant's origin that forces or encourages them to relocate.
Distinguishing between push factors (negative origin aspects) and pull factors (positive destination attractions) is essential in population geography.
2
Evaluate the given choices against the definition.
Inadequate employment and poor infrastructure in rural villages represent negative origin conditions, correctly identifying a push factor.
Attractions at the city draw people in (pull factors), whereas hardships in villages force people out (push factors).

Key Concept

Push and Pull Factors of Migration
Estimated Time:45s
Question 9Question →

Severe drought and soil degradation in a rural farming community compel young inhabitants to relocate to urban areas in search of non-agricultural employment. Which type of migration factor is primarily responsible for forcing these individuals to leave their place of origin?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: A push factor arising from environmental and economic hardship at the origin

Answer

A push factor arising from environmental and economic hardship at the origin
The correct answer correctly identifies negative environmental and economic pressures at the source community as push factors. Drought and land degradation force individuals out of rural areas because their traditional livelihoods are no longer viable.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the conditions described in the scenario
Identified negative origin conditions: severe drought, soil degradation, and lack of agricultural employment.
Migration causes are categorized based on whether they originate at the source location or the destination location.
2
Classify the migration driver using population geography concepts
Negative conditions at the origin that drive people away are classified as push factors.
Push factors push individuals out of their homeland, whereas pull factors pull them toward a new destination.

Key Concept

Push and Pull Factors of Population Migration
Question 10Question →

Following a major outflow of young healthcare professionals from a West African nation to Europe, demographers evaluated the resulting population metrics in the source country. Which of the following best describes the primary demographic consequence of this selective out-migration stream on the country of origin?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: An increase in the total dependency ratio accompanied by a reduction in the economically active age cohort

Answer

An increase in the total dependency ratio accompanied by a reduction in the economically active age cohort
International out-migration of professionals (brain drain) selectively subtracts individuals from the 15−6415{-}64 working-age demographic. Because the dependency ratio measures dependents (0−140{-}14 and 65+65+) relative to the economically active population (15−6415{-}64), shrinking the working population denominator causes the overall dependency ratio at the origin to rise.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the age group affected by selective international out-migration (brain drain).
Emigrants are predominantly educated young adults within the economically active age bracket (15−6415{-}64 years).
Professional labor migration selectively removes individuals from the working population of the origin country.
2
Apply the demographic dependency ratio formula: Dependency Ratio=Population (0−14)+Population (65+)Population (15−64)×100\text{Dependency Ratio} = \frac{\text{Population } (0{-}14) + \text{Population } (65+)}{\text{Population } (15{-}64)} \times 100.
Reducing the denominator (working-age population) while the numerator (dependent population) remains constant or increases proportionally leads to a higher dependency ratio value.
Fewer working adults remain to support the young and elderly dependents in the source region.

Key Concept

Demographic impacts of selective out-migration on origin country age structure and dependency ratios
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 11Question →

Which of the following conditions represents a push factor responsible for driving rural-to-urban population migration in West Africa?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Persistent crop failure and severe depletion of soil fertility in agrarian villages

Answer

Persistent crop failure and severe depletion of soil fertility in agrarian villages
Persistent crop failure and soil fertility depletion are adverse agricultural conditions operating at the point of origin. These hardships compel rural populations to abandon their farms and migrate, making them classic push factors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish between migration push factors and pull factors.
Push factors are unfavorable socio-economic or environmental conditions at the origin that compel people to leave, whereas pull factors are attractive features at the destination that draw migrants.
Correctly classifying geographic migration drivers requires identifying whether a factor originates at the source or the destination.
2
Evaluate the given options against the definition of a push factor.
Persistent crop failure and soil degradation represent adverse environmental and economic hardship at the rural origin, forcing individuals to relocate.
Declining agricultural productivity directly threatens rural livelihoods, creating a classic push mechanism.

Key Concept

Push and Pull Factors in Population Migration
Question 12Question →

When large numbers of young, economically active individuals migrate from rural agricultural villages to major cities, the rural origin communities undergo notable population changes. Which of the following is a direct demographic effect of this youth out-migration on the rural source region?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: An increase in the proportion of elderly dependents relative to the remaining working-age population

Answer

An increase in the proportion of elderly dependents relative to the remaining working-age population
When young adults migrate from rural villages to cities, the working-age population in the rural source region shrinks. Consequently, children and the elderly make up a higher percentage of the remaining population, increasing the relative proportion of elderly dependents.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary demographic group involved in rural-to-urban migration
Youth and young adults (the economically active workforce) migrate most frequently.
Urban centers offer wage employment and tertiary education, attracting productive age brackets.
2
Determine the demographic composition remaining at the rural origin
Children and elderly individuals constitute a larger relative share of the remaining population.
The departure of young adults leaves dependent age groups behind in the rural villages.
3
Evaluate the net demographic consequence
The proportion of elderly dependents increases relative to the working-age population.
This elevates the overall demographic dependency ratio in the rural sending area.

Key Concept

Demographic impacts of out-migration on rural source areas
Question 13Question →

In population geography, migration flows across West Africa and globally are driven by distinct environmental, economic, and political factors, resulting in specific demographic and socio-economic outcomes. Match each migration scenario on the left with its corresponding migration category or primary effect on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Persistent Sahelian drought and desertification compelling pastoral movement
Large-scale outflow of trained medical personnel from West Africa to Western Europe
Resettlement of communities displaced by the construction of the Kainji Dam
Rural agricultural decline occurring alongside expanded industrial job growth in regional capitals

Matches

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Answer

Persistent Sahelian drought matches with Eco-refugee movement driven primarily by environmental push factors; Large-scale outflow of trained medical personnel matches with Severe depletion of origin-region human capital and public service capacity (Brain Drain); Resettlement from Kainji Dam construction matches with Involuntary internal displacement resulting from government infrastructure projects; Rural agricultural decline alongside urban job growth matches with Rural-urban drift accelerated by intersecting push and pull mechanisms.
Each migration process is matched to its definitive demographic classification: desertification generates eco-refugees; skilled health worker emigration causes brain drain and loss of service capacity; dam construction induces involuntary displacement; and rural economic hardship paired with urban opportunity produces rural-urban drift.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze environmental degradation migration drivers
Drought and desertification in the Sahel force populations to abandon degraded land, forming eco-refugee streams driven by push factors.
Environmental collapse leaves inhabitants with no local livelihood options.
2
Evaluate skilled international migration impacts
The emigration of physicians and nurses leads to brain drain, impairing the health sector in the country of origin.
Loss of specialized human capital directly reduces institutional capacity.
3
Identify government-induced displacement types
Relocation due to dam impoundments (such as Kainji Dam) is involuntary internal displacement.
Civil engineering and infrastructure land inundation force communities to relocate.
4
Synthesize economic push and pull interactions
Declining rural farming coupled with urban industrial attraction drives classic rural-urban drift.
Divergent rural and urban economic conditions create dual pressures facilitating migration.

Key Concept

Classification of migration causes (push vs. pull factors) and their socio-demographic impacts.
Question 14Question →

A demographic survey in a rural farming district reveals that ongoing land degradation has forced working-age adults to move to coastal cities for employment, leaving behind mostly children and elderly residents. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the type of migration factor involved and its demographic impact on the rural source region?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Land degradation acts as an environmental push factor, leading to an increase in the dependency ratio of the rural source region.

Answer

Land degradation acts as an environmental push factor, leading to an increase in the dependency ratio of the rural source region.
Negative environmental conditions such as land degradation at the origin are classified as push factors because they drive residents away. When young, economically active adults relocate, the remaining rural population consists disproportionately of dependents (children and the elderly), which increases the dependency ratio of the source community.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the migration force driving the movement
Land degradation is a negative condition at the place of origin, which constitutes a push factor.
Push factors are adverse conditions at the origin that compel people to leave, whereas pull factors are attractive conditions at the destination.
2
Analyze the demographic effect on the source region's age structure
The out-migration of working-age adults reduces the denominator (working population) relative to the numerator (dependents: children and elderly).
The dependency ratio is calculated as the non-working population divided by the working-age population multiplied by 100.
3
Synthesize the correct combined conclusion
The movement is driven by an environmental push factor and results in an elevated dependency ratio in the rural origin.
Matching both correct geographical classifications yields the true statement.

Key Concept

Migration Push and Pull Factors and Source Demographic Impacts
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 15Question →

In population geography, migration flows are driven by diverse environmental, economic, and social forces that generate distinct demographic consequences. Match each migration scenario on the left with its corresponding migration driver or primary socio-economic effect on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Severe desertification and prolonged drought in the Sahelian zone
Rapid expansion of manufacturing and service sectors in major coastal metropolises
Emigration of tertiary-trained healthcare professionals to high-income foreign countries
Seasonal movement of pastoralists with livestock following pasture availability across regions

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Severe desertification in the Sahel matches Environmental push factor; Rapid industrial expansion in coastal cities matches Economic pull factor; Emigration of healthcare professionals matches International brain drain; Seasonal movement of pastoralists matches Transhumance.
Each migration scenario correctly aligns with its primary driver or demographic classification: ecological land degradation acts as an environmental push factor; urban employment growth functions as an economic pull factor; specialized professional emigration creates a brain drain; and seasonal herding along defined ecological routes is termed transhumance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze environmental push factors
Drought and land degradation force populations to leave degraded origin regions, categorizing Sahelian desertification as an environmental push factor.
Push factors originate from unfavorable conditions at the place of origin.
2
Identify economic pull drivers
Concentrations of industrial jobs draw labor toward metropolitan areas, making urban employment expansion an economic pull factor.
Pull factors attract migrants to destination areas offering improved economic opportunities.
3
Evaluate skilled international migration consequences
The outflow of highly specialized manpower abroad constitutes brain drain.
Brain drain specifically describes the loss of educated or professional human capital overseas.
4
Classify seasonal livestock mobility
Cyclical movement aligned with wet and dry seasons is classified as transhumance.
Transhumance is defined by traditional pastoral routes tied to seasonal rainfall patterns.

Key Concept

Population Migration Drivers, Typologies, and Demographic Consequences
Question 16Question →

Following persistent seasonal droughts in the Sahelian zone, pastoral nomadic communities frequently move southwards into the humid Guinea savanna belt during the dry season. Which of the following is the most direct consequence of this seasonal migration stream on the host destination area?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Increased competition over agricultural land and water resources between host farmers and incoming pastoralists

Answer

Increased competition over agricultural land and water resources between host farmers and incoming pastoralists
The seasonal influx of nomadic herders and their livestock into agricultural savanna belts increases the total demand for land, forage, and water bodies. This direct spatial overlap between sedentary farming and nomadic pastoralism creates intense resource competition and environmental pressure in the destination region.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the type of migration described in the scenario.
The movement of pastoralists from the Sahel southwards into the Guinea savanna during the dry season represents seasonal transhumance (environmentally driven internal migration).
Understanding the driver and nature of the movement clarifies whether the primary impacts are felt environmentally, socially, or economically at origin or destination.
2
Analyze the impact on the receiving (destination) host area.
Influx of herds into farming regions increases demand for grazing land, water points, and crop residue, causing resource strain and potential conflict with settled farmers.
Destination impacts of rural-to-rural migration primarily center on carrying capacity and resource sharing.

Key Concept

Environmental Push Factors and Destination Impact of Transhumance
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 17Question →

The ratification of regional free movement agreements in West Africa has led to an increased outflow of young, skilled professionals from agrarian communities to rapidly growing industrial hubs. Which of the following outcomes represents a direct demographic impact experienced by the source regions?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: An increase in the age dependency ratio due to the loss of working-age population

Answer

An increase in the age dependency ratio due to the loss of working-age population
When young, economically active adults emigrate from a source area, the remaining population disproportionately consists of children and the elderly. Because the dependency ratio is calculated by dividing the non-working dependent population by the working-age population, a reduction in working-age individuals increases the overall dependency ratio in the sending community.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the migration flow direction and demographic characteristics of the migrants.
The scenario describes out-migration (emigration) of young, economically active working-age individuals from rural source regions to industrial hubs.
Understanding who migrates is essential for determining demographic changes at the origin.
2
Analyze the impact of out-migration on the source region's population structure.
When working-age people leave, the proportions of elderly people and children relative to working adults increase.
Dependency ratio is defined as the dependent population (aged <15 and >64) divided by the working-age population (aged 15–64).
3
Determine the effect on the dependency ratio.
A smaller denominator (working-age group) results in a higher dependency ratio in the source area.
This directly matches the core demographic consequence of selective out-migration.

Key Concept

Impact of selective out-migration on source area dependency ratios
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Population Migration Causes and Effects Practice Questions — JAMB UTME | Examkin