On strategies for effective implementation of rural development policies in Nigeria: the ‘integrative/ co-operative' model to the rescue

Abstract

Policy implementation is about the most critical dimension in the policy process given the fact that success or failure of any given policy is, to a high degree, a function of implementation. The need for effective implementation strategy (ies) is emphasized in this paper. The need, the paper argues, is an urgent one and more acute for the rural areas where the quality of life remain abysmally poor due largely to long period of neglect and unrewarding implementation of most policies directed at addressing the problem of rural underdevelopment in Nigeria. Analysis of dominant conceptual models (Grindle's, Iglesias' and Smith's) and strategies for implementing rural development policies, namely, the ‘government-led' and the ‘community-led' show gross inadequacies arising from their basic nature. The noted inadequacies compelled a search for appropriate alternative. The outcome of the search is the ‘Integrative / Co-operative' strategy proposed in the paper. The hope is that, regardless of whatever shortcoming that may be associated with it, the ‘Integrative / Co-operative' strategy holds the greater promise in our drive towards a more effective implementation of rural development policies in Nigeria. We in the Planning commission and others concerned have grown more expert in planning. But the real question is not planning. But the real question is not planning but implementing the Plan. That is the real question before the country. I fear we are not quite as expert implementation as at planning. Nehru, on Indian situation Keywords: Effective Policy Implementation, Strategy/Model, Integrative/ Co-operative. (Global Journal of Social Sciences: 2003 2 (1): 1-14)