Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS) and Rural Development in Nigeria

Abstract

There is an increasing desire for the development of rural areas in Nigeria because of its strategic importance. Successive governments have made frantic efforts aimed towards the development of the rural areas. Such efforts include the operation feed the Nation progreamme; the River basin and Rural Development Authorities; Directorate of food, road and Rural Infrastructure; Better life for Rural Women; the family support programme; family Economic Advancement Programme; and the National Directorate of Employment. Unfortunately, all the efforts made by successive administrations have not achieved desired goal. In recent times, non-governmental organizations have participated in rural development to compliment the efforts of government. Some of their contributions include human capital development and technical assistance; Development of Small Scale farmers; Research, monitoring and evaluation; Enlightenment Campaigns; Advocacy for the poor; and conflict resolution/peace building. However, the non-governmental organizations have some challenges which have limited their performances and also impeded their growth. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that Government should embark on aggressive development of the rural areas. Similarly, NGOs at the various levels should partner and work in collaboration. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n5p107