Assessment of Human Capital and Social Development in Ibipolo Community, Port Harcourt

Abstract

Urbanization and industrialization have led to rural-urban migration of workers, especially the low income earners. By their influx, shanty towns develop, where the conditions are perplexed with poor road networks, lack of good drinking water and inadequate sanitary conditions. These conditions have caused decrease in the level of human capital and social development of many communities. This study is a sociological analysis of urban problems, focusing on the socio-economic and social amenities as they affect human capital and social development of residents of Ibipolo. The paper adopts a qualitative and ex-post-facto design approach. The population of the study consisted of 70 household heads. Instrument for the study was a questionnaire. Findings indicated higher number of informal workers as residents; lower level education population and high rates of capital crimes. Basic social amenities as public water supply, health care facilities, and schools are non-existent. Unsanitary conditions in the community typify prevalence of health challenges. It is recommended that, government adopt a more equitable distribution of social infrastructures in order to improving the physical quality of life of citizens. Update the national habitat policy to accommodate the low-income earners. Increase human capital and social development opportunities for the citizens.