ANALYSIS OF LIVELIHOOD IMPACT OF COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN BIDA, NIGER STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Poor transportation system and inadequate means of transports have forced urban residents to take succour in paratransit. Livelihood is inevitable in the existence of human being. Commercial motorcycle riding is one of the fast growing livelihood strategies among poor or low income youths in the city. However, commercial motorcycle riding is an informal economic activity, and therefore, a marginal livelihood. This study, therefore, aim to analyse the livelihood impacts of commercial motorcycle riding in Bida. The main objectives of the study were to examine the socioeconomic status of the riders, spatial characteristics of commercial motorcyclist, operation services of commercial motorcyclist, livelihood activities of commercial motorcycle operators and the relationship between operation activities and livelihood wellbeing of operators. The study used non-probabilistic sampling approach; a convenience sampling technique was employed during the administration of the questionnaires to the riders. A total number of 215 copies of the questionnaires were administered to the riders and the data collected were analysed through descriptive statistics. The study findings show that commercial motorcycle riding is essentially male livelihood activity (100%) which provide job directly to majority of the riders. Eleven main commercial motorcycle parks were identified while Esso neighbourhood and poly area have more parks with three each averagely. It was also revealed that, majority of the riders engaged in full time operation and all the commercial motorcycle riders perceived the business as a satisfactory livelihood strategy. The result found that there is a statistically significant difference in the income of the commercial motorcycle riders before and after they joined the business (X 2 = 150.457, df = 40, p = <0.005). It was also found that there is a strong and positive relationship between operation of commercial motorcycle and livelihood wellbeing (R 2 = .714; df = 26; p = <.005). The study concluded that, commercial motorcycle operation contributes significantly to livelihood improvement of the operators and facilitate movement of individual, hence increase social integration in the study area. The study therefore recommends that the government should formalize and regulate the activities of commercial motorcycle operation as one of the means of living activities that fill the gap of youth employment problem. Provision of support in terms of loans to the operators of commercial motorcycle especially for those riders who hire/lease their motorcycles is also suggested. These will contribute to the reduction in unemployment and poverty rates in all forms.