An Assessment of the Impact of Government Intervention Projects on Poverty Alleviation/Reduction in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of Ekiti State Government’s intervention projects on poverty alleviation/reduction in Ekiti State, Nigeria, from 2007-2011. The paper identified some intervention projects/programmes executed in six Local Government Areas in the three Senatorial Districts selected for this study, identified the providers of these projects, and assessed the extent to which the projects impacted on poverty alleviation of the people. The study attempted finding answers to research questions by using survey design and judgemental sampling technique to collect data from 630 respondents with the aid of a 25-item structured questionnaire and personal interview. The respondents comprised of civil servants, farmers, and traders/artisans within the communities. Data for this study were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square (X2) was used to test the hypothesis posed for the research at 5% significant level. The findings revealed that developmental projects were implemented by the State, local government and international/non-governmental agencies within the study area during the study period. Also there was an impact of government’s intervention projects on poverty alleviation in Ekiti State within the study period but, the impact was insignificant. The study recommended proper coordination of efforts of all parties towards the poverty alleviation intervention programmes in Ekiti State in order to avoid duplication of efforts, implementation of a well-planned and concerted policy framework, projects/programmes, and provision of an adequate budget towards poverty alleviation/reduction in Ekiti State by the Federal and Ekiti State governments, and the involvement of the community members in the conceptualization, and implementation of projects. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p273