THE INFLUENCE OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS (CBOs) ACTIVITIES ON ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA

Background of the Study

A number of researchers have highlighted the significance of CBOs and the contribution they make in national social and economic development in general and rural communities in particular. However much literature has not indicated the relationship(s) between particular CBOs activities and their specific influence on the economic empowerment of the community. The need to focus on the influence of particular CBOs activities on economic empowerment calls for further exploration on CBOs activities in rural community.

All CBOs work through people-centered modes of development- people targeted to benefit participants in their own development. CBOs activities are said to positively affect the process of rural change in terms of improved livelihood i.e. increase in income, improvement in health, nutrition and literacy status of the populations. Some of the programs that can ensure changes in the rural communities are: availability of micro-finance for micro-enterprise, health and education, sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, safe water and sanitation.

The importance of community-based organizations (CBOs) has assumed some currency in development circles in Kenya. In the last ten years, partly due to the prevailing socio-economic challenges and increasing donor fatigue, some donor organizations began experimenting working with CBOs. This was due to the perception that they provide a more direct route to their target beneficiaries at the grassroots. At the same time diverse types of CBOs sprang up, and local NGOs began emphasizing working with and through CBOs as part of their core strategy. And government and local authorities forged new working relationships with local organizations and citizen groups, especially in the area of service delivery to the disadvantaged communities. Efforts put to empower CBOs to improve community livelihoods cannot be underrated whatsoever; however, there is a need for further exploration to establish how particular economic activities carried out by CBOs influence economic empowerment of the rural community. This called for this study targeting rural community of Bahati division in Nakuru County. The CBOs that were focused on are: Bahati Bondeni Women Group, Nakuru Elevators and Bahati Revelation Women Group. The development partners included 3 NGOs: African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD), Centre for Applied Research and Community Development (CARCD), and Community and Capacity Development Organization (CCDO).

 Statement of problem

The failure of many government development programmes in Nigeria could be traced to poor organizational structure at the grassroots level. The rural people are isolated, under educated and lack the means to win greater access to resources and some basis things of life such as pipe-borne water, electricity, postal services, health care centres, good roads and schools. The fact has been established that the government is constrained in its efforts to provide citizens with the required social and basic amenities for comfortable living (Anyanwu, 1992). Perhaps, this is due to the increasing population, misappropriation of funds, increasing wage bills, poor transportation network among others.

It is the gap arising from poor performance of government and other institutional organization that led to the formation of community based organization as means of improving the socio economic status of their communities. CBOs serve as the apex organization by which community people can embark on small scale industries, vocational trade, agricultural development projects, rural transportation and other socio economic activities (Adejumobi 1991).

It is in view of these facts that CBOs have been established by various people, bodies or groups to complement the effort made by the government. This study therefore is designed to asses the role of community based organization in the development of rural communities in Delta State.

Objectives of the study

The main objective of the study is to examine the role of community based organization in the development of rural communities in Delta State. The specific objectives are to:

Significance of the study

CBOs play a significant role in community development and these roles need to be clearly understood by the policy makers, government even potential members. This will gradually help in identifying the appropriate support needed by the CBOs in order to improve on community development activities, thereby improving the standard of living in communities and also reducing rural urban drift.

Implementation Of Cash Transfer Policy On Poverty Alleviation In Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the workability of conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme in Nigeria. It presents a framework on CCT based on what obtains in proximate economies where such programme has been adopted to reduce poverty, improve health conditions of the poor, reduce illiteracy, among others. Findings from literatures revealed that over the years the programme has assisted in reducing illiteracy by encouraging school attendance, reduce those living below poverty line, improve the social status of poor families in rural areas and provided regular medical check-ups for mothers and their children. The present study recommends that this programme should be undertaken on a wide scale in a country like Nigeria where there is high level of poverty, mortality rate, vulnerability and inequality as some states already have such programmes.

APPRAISAL OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME IN THE NIGERIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT A STUDY OF EBONYI STATE

CHAPTER ONE/INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Electricity generation in Nigeria began in 1896. The Nigeria electricity supply company (NESCO) commenced operations as an electric utility company in Nigeria in 1929 with the construction of a hydroelectric power station at Kurra near Jos. The electricity corporation of Nigeria (ECN) was established in 1951, while the first 132KV line was constructed in 1962, linking Ijora power station to Ibadan power station.  The nation’s electricity problems hinder its development notwithstanding the availability of vast natural resources in the country. Only four sources (coal, crude oil, natural gas and hydro) are currently being utilized in processed forms while two others (wood fuel and solar) are used in their crude forms for heating, cooking and lighting. It is widely accepted that there is a strong correlation between socio-economic development and the availability of electricity. Power supply in Nigeria is not a recent phenomenon judging from the fact that electricity was first generated in Nigeria in 1896, just a decade after its introduction in Europe]. In 1952/53 the total electricity consumption was only 77 million kilowatts-hours which grew to 4066 million kilowatts hours in 1979/80 and became 188340 million kilowatts-hour in 2007/2008.  As at July 12, 2011 the electricity consumption was recorded to be 19.21 billion kilowatts-hours.  Power stations require large amounts of energy to turn turbines for the generation of electricity.  The Electric Power Sector is one of the most important sectors to national development. The power sector is critical to the developmental reform of any country.

To discuss the electric power sector in Nigeria in a realistic  way, an appraisal of its development since independence is necessary in this study. Electricity supply in Nigeria dates back to 1886 when two small generating sets were installed to serve the then Colony of Lagos. By an Act of Parliament in 1951, the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) was established, and in 1962, the Niger Dams Authority (NDA) was also established for the development of Hydro Electric Power. However, a merger of the two was made in 1972 to form the National Electric power Authority (NEPA), which as a result of unbundling and the power reform process, was renamed Power holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in 2005. The Nigerian power sector is controlled by state-owned Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), formerly known as the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). In March 2005, President Olusegun Obasanjo signed the Power Sector Reform Bill into law, enabling private companies to participate in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.

In Africa and various parts of the world like India, Power stations use heat energy produced from burning coal, moving water energy or wind energy (World Bank, 2011). According to South Africa’s electricity supply company – Eskom, electricity distribution in various countries which is usually carried out by their respective electricity distribution industry plays a very important role to those supplying and consuming it (Eskom, 2015). (Abdelhay & Malik, 2011) describes electricity distribution as an important stage in the three stage delivery of electric power which also includes generation and transmission. With the world population steadily increasing from 6.8billion people in 2011 to 7.4 billion in 2015, Ross (2015) recognises that, challenges faced by EDI’s in the distribution of electricity are bound to multiply.

This is because these challenges which include generally poor infrastructure, wear out of distribution grids and climate change, are compounded by increase in the demand for electricity. Other authors like (Bouttes, Dasaa & Crassons, 2011) support Ross’ view by identifying 3 main global challenges faced by the delivery of electric power increase urbanization, the change in climatic conditions and the increase of demand in power. The problems faced with electricity distribution around the world, even though common, occur at different intensities in different countries. In places like the United Kingdom, for example, there is more concern about future electricity distribution. (Watson, McDonald & Ferguson, 2001) says that the method used for distribution network design now that is based on the reinforcement network will be outdated for network designs in the future as the rely heavily on reinforcing network practices. They view this problem not only as a mechanical problem but also a managerial challenge as the design makes less severe the challenges of electricity distribution and at the same time hindering the ease of taking advantage of the opportunities. In India, managerial reforms and governance have included the 2 unbundling of their electricity distribution system such that there are both economic incentives and disincentives and more private players in distribution.

A critical assessment by the country’s electricity planning commission revealed that this reform has weaknesses in terms of performance and affordability of electricity. While realising that it is good for free and fair competition to exist, high cost of electricity rates have also been noted around the country (Alagh, 2013).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Rural electrification is one of Nigeria’s initiatives to provide modern energy to rural areas. The overall national electricity access is less than 23 percent, with 48 percent of those with access to electricity in the urban areas whereas only two percent in the rural areas (MEWD, 2006). This lack of access to electricity undermines the pace and scope of economic development, reduces quality of life and welfare of the under-privileged population, and decreases the quality of basic social services such as schools and health centres (MEWD, 2006). In an effort to boost rural energy and create improved conditions for socio-economic development in Nigeria, the Government established a Rural Electrification Fund (REF) in 1994. This was to be funded by collecting 3.45 percent of the sales tax on electricity consumption.

The REF was administered by Ministry of Energy and Water development (MEWD) and priority was accorded to health facilities, schools and community centres. Despite these efforts, the pace of rural electrification was very slow, resulting in only three percent of the rural population having access to electricity by 2004 (REA, 2009).  Electrification has assessed accessibility to grid electricity services and micro enterprise development, drivers and barriers to rural electrification, impacts of access to  electricity to rural enterprises. However, little has been done to determine the contribution of grid electricity services to household income. Finally several research has been carried out on effect of rural electrification in Nigeria. But not even a single research as been carried out on Assessment of rural electrification programme in  Nigeria.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The main aim of the study is to determine Assessment of rural electrification programme in the Nigeria, Onicha local government of lbadan, Ebonyi state. Other specific objectives of the study  includes;

1. to determine the effect of rural electrification programme in  Nigeria.
2. to investigate the challenges of electrification in rural areas in Nigeria.
3. to determine the extent to which electrification in rural areas has affected Nigerians.
4. to determine the factors affecting rural electrification in Nigeria.
5.  to proffer possible solutions to problems

1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS        

1. What is the effect of rural electrification programme in  Nigeria.
2. What are the challenges of electrification in rural areas in Nigeria.
3. What is the extent to which electrification in rural areas has affected Nigerians.
4. What are the factors affecting rural electrification in Nigeria.
5.  What are the possible solutions to problems.

1.5   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: there is no rural electrification programme in Onicha local government area of Ebonyi State.

H1: there is rural electrification programme in Onicha local government area of Ebonyi State.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study on Assessment of rural electrification programme in the Nigeria, will be of immense benefit to the people of Onicha local government lbadan,Ebonyi state. In the sense that; It will also encourage a range of service providers to deliver cheaper, cleaner electricity through the promotion of best practice including the use of  renewable energy sources. It is assumed that private sector providers will be heavily involved in enhancing access through – both the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor distribution companies   privatized and a range of other public and private companies. The Ministry of Power will continue to be Responsible for laying down policies on in access and rural electrification, including (a) setting–out policy guidelines and (b) monitoring and evaluating the performance of the programme and its agencies.

It will also be accomplished by encouraging a range of service providers to deliver cheaper, cleaner electricity through the promotion of best practice including the use of  renewable energy sources. It will also be of great   advantage to the government  if job opportunities is created  in terms of electricity in the rural areas to help speculate electricity to all part of the neighboring communities. Finally the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1.7   SCOPE OF STUDY

The study on Assessment of rural electrification programme in the Nigeria, is limited to Onicha local government of Ibadan, Ebonyi state.

1.8   LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint– Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint– The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Rural Electrification

Can be define as the task of providing a country’s rural population with the electric power necessary to meet its needs.

Assessment

Is the systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving learning and development.

Rural

Is a geographic area that is located outside towns.

 

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AS A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

 

This study is basically on the failures of other strategies at the National, State and Local Government level to ensure sustainable development using community development as a strategy. Most of the projects and programmes set by government for development are not sustainable because the beneficiaries are not actively involved (participation). The objectives of the study include: to determine the relevance of Community development projects and their effects on Sustainable development; and the effect of community participation on Sustainable development in Chikun Local Government. The propositions for the research work are: community development projects and programmes are not of great relevance to sustainable development in Chikun Local Government; and community participation on projects and programmes to a greater extent do not lead to sustainable development in Chikun Local Government. The study uses the survey research method which include the use of instruments of interviews, questionnaire administration and using checklist of issues for observation as primary sources, while the secondary sources comprises files, reports, minute books, budgets etc. on activities, decisions, financial reports, pictures of community development projects and programmes of the Local Government and Community Development Associations. Data collected were presented and analyzedusing tables and simple percentages. The study found that most government plans and implementation of Community development projects and programmes did not properly involve the beneficiaries, from its initial stage to completion. We also found that there is problem of misplacement of priority by the government, as to the pressing need of the people at a time is not what the government is providing them with. The Local Government projects and programmes are not sustained or maintained because the supposed beneficiaries do not see it as their own since they lack any sense of ownership during initiation and even implementation of the projects and programmes. To this end, this study

 

recommend that people`s participation philosophy of mobilizing resources and organizing the community people both the rural populace to the urban centers to have cogent interests in providing for their wellbeing, need to be properly emphasized and utilized. This will stimulate the feeling of ownership of such development projects/programmes by benefiting communities and by implication promote sustainable development. Government at various strata including the federal, state and most especially local governments, have to come to terms with the fact that there is an inherent importance in “the participatory development theory” which advocates community populace active participation in decision-making and implementation of policies that affect and mould their lives. This will ensure that projects/programmes of government are exactly the felt needs of benefiting communities.

EFFECT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study is basically on the failures of other strategies at the National, State and Local Government level to ensure sustainable development using community development as a strategy. Most of the projects and programmes set by government for development are not sustainable because the beneficiaries are not actively involved (participation). The objectives of the study include: to determine the relevance of Community development projects and their effects on Sustainable development; and the effect of community participation on Sustainable development in Chikun Local Government. The propositions for the research work are: community development projects and programmes are not of great relevance to sustainable development in Chikun Local Government; and community participation on projects and programmes to a greater extent do not lead to sustainable development in Chikun Local Government. The study uses the survey research method which include the use of instruments of interviews, questionnaire administration and using checklist of issues for observation as primary sources, while the secondary sources comprises files, reports, minute books, budgets etc. on activities, decisions, financial reports, pictures of community development projects and programmes of the Local Government and Community Development Associations. Data collected were presented and analyzedusing tables and simple percentages. The study found that most government plans and implementation of Community development projects and programmes did not properly involve the beneficiaries, from its initial stage to completion. We also found that there is problem of misplacement of priority by the government, as to the pressing need of the people at a time is not what the government is providing them with. The Local Government projects and programmes are not sustained or maintained because the supposed beneficiaries do not see it as their own since they lack any sense of ownership during initiation and even implementation of the projects and programmes. To this end, this study

recommend that people`s participation philosophy of mobilizing resources and organizing the community people both the rural populace to the urban centers to have cogent interests in providing for their wellbeing, need to be properly emphasized and utilized. This will stimulate the feeling of ownership of such development projects/programmes by benefiting communities and by implication promote sustainable development. Government at various strata including the federal, state and most especially local governments, have to come to terms with the fact that there is an inherent importance in “the participatory development theory” which advocates community populace active participation in decision-making and implementation of policies that affect and mould their lives. This will ensure that projects/programmes of government are exactly the felt needs of benefiting communities

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF YOUTH COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON UNEMPLOYMENT REDUCTION IN EKITI STATE (2011-2015).

ABSTRACT

High rate of unemployment is a bedeviling issue that seem to be taking the frontline in every public discuss on socioeconomic problems in Ekiti State; The reported unabated upsurge of unemployment in Ekiti State despite the measures put in place in the various aspects of agriculture through the Youth Commercial Agricultural Development (YCAD) programme to stop the trend is mind boggling and contrary to expectation. This necessitated the study entitled “assessment of the impact of Youth Commercial Agricultural Development programme on unemplotment reduction in Ekiti state (2011-2015)” which was anchored on three objectives which include to ascertain the extent to which the YCAD empowerment(training) programme has reduced unemployment in Ekiti state, examine ways through which public private partnership on the agricultural programme has helped to reduce unemployment and the extent to which the provision of agricultural incentives has attracted the unemployed people to agricultural businesses. The design of the study is basically survey method but complimented with statistical documents. To this end, the instruments used for the collection of primary data include questionaire and interview while relevant documents that contain secondary data such as beneficiaries record books were used to support it. The primary data were presented in tables of frequencies and percentages while the Pearson product moment correlation was used to test the hypotheses. Among other things, the study revealed that beyond the recorded beneficiaries the programme had an indirect impact on non-beneficiaries who did not participate in the empowerment programme. However, only the recorded beneficiaries or participants had access to agricultural incentives made available at the period due to poor funding of the agricultural sector during the implementation of the YCAD programme which was as low as 2.4% in 2013 and this limited the effect of the programme on unemployment reduction in the aspect of attracting the unemployed to agricultural businesses. In addition, some of the private partner

 

organizations had only little impact while some were idle which also limited the achievement of the programme. Hence the study recommend that significant proportion or part (25%) of the state’s annual budget should be allocated to the agricultural sector consistently in order to ensure adequate provisions for both the direct and the indirect beneficiaries of the YCAD empowerment (training) programme in terms of the needed incentives and engagement of private partner organizations should be hinged on tested ability to promote agricultural employments.