THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS (A CASE STUDY OF OWERRI WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA)

ABSTRACT

This study gives a suitable detail on The Role Of Non-Governmental Organization On The Development Of Rural Areas (A Case Study Of Owerri West Local government Area). In handling our topic, we have framed it into five chapters.  Chapter one bordered on introduction, which contains background of the study, research questions, statement of problems, statement of hypothesis, significance of the study, scope of the study, limitation and definition of terms.  Chapter two concentrated on literature review which is made up of introduction.  Chapter three dealt on research design and methodology which contains introduction, research design, sources/methods of data collection, population and sample size, sample techniques, validity and reliability of measuring instrument and method of data analysis.  Chapter four centered on presentation and analysis of data which contains introduction, presentation of data, analysis of data, test of hypothesis and interpretation of result, and lastly, chapter five is summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0  INTRODUCTION

1.1  BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

       It is no exaggeration to state from the beginning that our rural arrears have been deliberately milked to impoverishment and to the advantages of the urban areas.  This ugly condition of the rural area dates back to the colonial era of Nigeria under the British government.  This imbalance in development was inherited at independence and carried along successive government during the abundant natural resources in the rural areas were explored.  Any attempts to develop such areas, the political and administrative institution were public decision making.  Power in reality was more concentrated and centralized that dispersed especially at the federal level of power as a result of this type of political structure,

This was a clear demarcation between the urban and rural areas development. The urban areas being the seats of government were developed at the expense of the rural areas.  In recent times, the issue of rural development has become crucial in the political, social and economic life of nation.  This is as a result of the realization of fact that the rural areas and their inhabitants constitute about 70 percentage of the nation population.  In order to bring about real development in the rural areas, there must exist active collaboration between government, non-governmental organization and communication with the rural people. 

The rural people need to be recognized and helped by the government to enable them form cooperation and productive organization.  They should be encouraged to participate actively in the decision making process for the determination of societal goals.

Since the past few decades, various non-governmental organization have shown interest in the development of rural areas.  Various communities that have not benefited from the limited financial resource of the government have embarked on development project.  It has stimulated and galvanized individuals into activities participation in social economic activities of the nation and has also brought development to the grassroots.

1.2  STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

       Developments of the rural areas have been a constant issue in Nigeria’s recent economic and political history.  In order to bring this into reality, there is need to evolve a system that would activate the participation and support of the rural people.

       Having this in mind, the non-governmental organization has been making a move to support government in the bid to develop rural areas.  Nevertheless, some problems have been consistent that necessitated the writing of this project work which are:

1. Inadequate government presence in the rural areas.
2. Lack of basic amenities in the rural areas.
3. The absence of good medical services in the rural areas.