EXPLORATION OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN EKITI STATE (2010 - 2014)

Abstract

The role of rural infrastructural developmental policy in improving the welfare of rural inhabitant cannot be over-emphasized. Rural areas provide the general populace with food and also agricultural activities are carried out there, which is one of the main sources of export for the economy. Agricultural produce in rural areas is one of the main sources of income for the farmer thereby providing them with source of income to make a living. Poor rural development policy can hamper the growth and development of basic infrastructural facilities in rural community which in turn can fuel rural- urban migration. Rural urban migration is a big problem to economic development. Ekiti-state rural development program has not been so really encouraging as many youth in rural areas migrate to urban cities for white collar job and other basic amenities which the rural areas lacks or is not sufficient. This necessitated the need to examine the impact of rural development policy of Ekiti –State from 2010-2014. The study was conducted in Ekiti state. Data were collected from 156 respondents with the use of questionnaire in selected local government areas in the three senatorial districts in the state. Data were analysed using SPSS and presented using frequency tables and percentage, discussions were made on the basis of the findings and results. The result shows that the rural development policies in the state have not really benefitted majority of the rural populace. This study discusses the level of rural development policies and its impact on the social life of the people. Finally, this study showed that rural developmental policy and strategy in Ekiti state does not represent expectations or desires of the rural dwellers in any way. The study suggests; Government should always review rural areas development policy and strategy, Government should set up monitoring and evaluation group for rural development in Ekiti state, Rural dwellers in any of those rural areas should be involved in any project meant for the rural areas, Government should provide infrastructural facilities that the rural dwellers need on time.