Public Sector Spending and Rural Poverty Reduction in South Eastern States of Nigeria

Abstract

This study is concerned with public expenditure and growing incidence of poverty in South Eastern States of Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to determine the impact of poverty on human development, to examine the implications of government budgetary allocation (to selected area of specific needs) on development and to assess the effectiveness of national poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria with particular references to south eastern states. It also seeks to generate informed policy suggestions for the alleviation of poverty in Nigeria. The investigation was based on library research. This consisted of a review of the theoretical background and some related literature/works carried out in the area of study. Data were sourced from secondary and primary sources through the administration of questionnaire to the poverty alleviation stakeholders, junior and senior staff of related ministries, and employees of core poverty alleviation agencies/parastatals, state Government Committees of poverty alleviation, local government poverty alleviation committee and representatives from all the wards in the area of study. Available information reveals that despite the government initiatives towards poverty alleviation, the incidence of poverty is still on the increase. Further Evidence reveals that the high incidence of poverty has translated to underdevelopment. The poverty alleviation programmes are less effective as their performance is abysmally at a low ebb. Reasonable confusion, conflict of goals and duplication of functions are fashionable in poverty alleviation agencies and programme. On the strength of the above some recommendations are proferred so as to reverse the trend of poverty in the land. Other vital areas for further research are suggested.