Modern building technology and livelihood adaptation among masons in rural Ibadan

There have been several studies on the phenomenon of livelihood disturbances of rural farming households by scholars. However, few have emphasized the significance of livelihood disturbances to non-farm economic activities as a result of changing technology. This article examines livelihood adaptation practices among rural masons in the face of challenges thrown up by the emergence of modern construction technology in 3 selected rural communities in Ibadan. The data for the study was sourced through 24 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussion sessions conducted among traditional rural masons in the selected rural communities of Moniya, Lalupon and Aba-Nla in Ibadan. The result suggests that the shift occasioned by modern building technology is experienced by low skill patronage, livelihood disturbance and income volatility among traditional masons. Adaptive responses by the masons took two dimensions. While some masons chose to cope by reverting to farming to survive, others opted to upgrade their skills from traditional knowledge to modern construction technique. In conclusion, livelihood disturbance is real among rural masons and government cannot afford to neglect the implication of this on rural poverty.