EFFECT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE PROJECT ON WEALTH CREATION AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of the Community Development Initiative (3i’s initiative) on wealth creation among rural households in Ondo State, Nigeria. The 3i’s initiative, focusing on Infrastructure, Institution, and Industry, aims to engage local communities in sustainable development projects. Using a community-driven development approach, the initiative ensures active participation from rural inhabitants in identifying and prioritizing their needs. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews across 12 communities within the state. Key findings reveal that infrastructural projects, such as water facilities and health centers, significantly enhance community wealth by reducing health expenses and saving time. Training programmes improve local capacity in project management and record-keeping, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. However, the establishment of industries under the initiative has been limited, affecting the potential for large-scale economic transformation. Overall, the 3i’s initiative shows a moderate to high positive impact on community wealth, suggesting the necessity for continuous support and scaling of such development programmes to bridge the urban-rural economic gap effectively. The study recommends that there should be a synergy between government and community collaboration to ensure the sustainability and scalability of development projects in rural Nigeria.