COMMUNITY BANKING SYSTEM AND THE PROMOTION OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCTION

1.1.   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This project work has a basis on the identification of the roles of community banking system in the promotion of rural development in Nigeria. At present, there are numerous community banks spread throughout the country. These banks with their services have tremendously enabled the government to fulfill its aims of catering in a controlled manner for the teeming population of the economically disadvantage people. A survey of the operations of the community Banks in the country shows that the system is less technical and easy to understand by the rural populace, these has helped in the improvement of the banking habit of the entire rural citizenry. So far, progress report from the National Board for community Banks, Central Bank of Nigeria, monitoring report and testimonies of customers of various community banks have confined that the system has tremendously fulfilled the promoting rural economic development through provision of financial and Banking services, rapid enhancement development of productive activities in the rural areas.

1.2.   STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The fact that community banking is the latest arrival in the banking sector, makes Banking services very competitive between them and other banks. Inspire of these, has their existence been felt by the people. How far they really achieved their objectives of promoting rural development in the country.

1.3.   PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

1. To find out the various financial services offered by the community banks and their roles in rural development.

2. To find out how efficient they are in pursuance of their objectives.

3. To find out the impact promotional activities on the rural dwellers.

4. To provide through recommendation, the operational France work that would lead to efficient and effective promotional development of the rural populace.

It is the wish of the researcher at the end of this academic work, her findings, conclusion and recommendations will increase the morale of the bankers in promoting rural development and will help people to appreciate efforts and impact of the operations of community banks in their various areas.

1.4   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the research work lies on the fact that the establishment of community banks is a step in the right direction towards economic growth and increased standard of living both the urban and rural communities. Moreover, the project will make it easy for government, community banks managing community banks in the country. Besides the implementation of the findings and recommendation of the project in an small measure enhance the developmental activities by the community banks towards rural development and also increase the level of public confidence reposed in them.

1.5   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This project touches all area of developmental efforts of community banks. It also cover the areas of the role played by the community banks in promoting rural development. The researcher also looked at the measures by which the banks can effectively pursue their objectives. Besides, the research project will critically examine the origin and measuring of community banking in Nigeria, the structure and organization of the community banking system. Moreover, the research project will identify the ownership and control of community banks in Nigeria. The objectives and functions of community banks will also be highlighted. Lastly, the findings, conclusion and the recommendation of the researcher on promoting of rural development in the country will also be touched.

1.6   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Banks: financial institution where money and other belongings are kept for safe custody.

Banking:- The agency through which debt and credit are inverted and exchange between owners.

Banker: An expert in banking operation and know how.

Community Bank: A self-sustaining bank, owned and managed by communities for the purpose of providing credits, deposits, banking and other financial services to its numbers at the gross root level.

Financial institutions: These are depository houses such as banks, stock exchange, clearing house, insurance companies etc.

C.B.N: This is government owned bank or an expose financial institution used with the responsibility of managing the cost volume available and direction of money and credit in the economy with a view to achieving desired economic objectives.