Effectiveness of Community-Based Development Programmes in Alleviating Poverty in Rural Community

This study empirically investigated the community development and poverty alleviation nexus in Awka South. A total of 120 questionnaires were administered to the residents of Awka South, out of these, 100 (about 83.3%) questionnaire were returned. The study adopted the descriptive statistic approach using tables, charts, frequencies, percentages et cetera to analyze the responses of the participants. In addition, one sample t-test is adopted in testing the hypotheses and cross tabulations are also used to examine the possible interaction between cases. The findings suggest that about 58% of the respondents are not aware of any poverty alleviation programme in their communities while about 42 of them claimed they are aware of such programmes. On whether a cooperative association exists in their locality, 53% of the respondents affirmed while 47% of them disagreed. Again, 60% of the respondents believe that poverty level in their community can be reduced through community development programmes while 40% think otherwise. On the factors that have influenced or impeded people’s participation in poverty alleviation programmes, lack of awareness ranks first (47%), followed by lack of transparency in the modus operandi of these programmes (21%), then illiteracy (19%) and bureaucratic bottleneck (13%) came third and forth. Two basic conclusions emerged from the findings of the study. First, poverty level can be reduced through community development programmes. Secondly, community development programmes have been hindered by some factors in Awka South. In line with the basic findings of this study, Government and/or NGOs should embark on aggressive community development programmes. Awareness campaign on the need to actively participate in poverty alleviation programmes should be carried out, especially in the rural areas.

Community development, poverty alleviation, Awka South, Anambra State

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