The migratory dynamics and means of livelihood of female migrant workers in rural regions have received less attention than those of male migrants in urban areas, with the majority of existing research concentrating on their livelihood activities and health issues. This study focuses on the relationship between livelihood engagement and migratory dynamics among female migrant workers in rural Southwest Nigeria, with Ondo West Local Government Area as a case study. A cross-sectional study of 1,047 female migrants was undertaken in thirty rural communities, using the Push-Pull Theory and the New Economics of Labour Migration Framework. Data were examined using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings show that livelihood involvement has little effect on mobility-related behaviours including frequency of home visits, family accompanying, and visit duration, but has a considerable impact on duration of stay and remittances. There is no significant relationship with visit duration (r = 0.011, p > 0.05), a negative but insignificant association with family accompaniment (r = –0.050, p > 0.05), and a slight correlation between livelihood involvement and frequency of home visits (r = 0.0203, p > 0.05). Additionally, the analysis reveals a substantial positive link between livelihood activities and remittance behavior (r = 0.87, p < 0.05) and a significant correlation between livelihood participation and length of stay (r = 0.073, p < 0.05). Female migrants face gendered obstacles such as restricted finance availability, worse job circumstances, and societal shame. Additionally, informal networks offer support and coping strategies. The study emphasizes the selective but significant influence of livelihood activities on migration outcomes, and it advocates for gender-sensitive policies that improve female migrants’ access to financing, social safety, and economic prospects. It also proposes that the government invest in education and vocational training programs to increase employability and income potential. 

Keywords: migratory, livelihoods, gendered challenges, remittance, frequency of visits.