The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) In Participatory and Sustainable Rural Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is predominantly a rural economy. If development is to take place and become self- sustaining, it must therefore, emphasis more on rural transformation. It is universally acknowledged that rural areas are very important to a nation. They serve as the base for the production of food and fiber. Yet, despite the importance of the rural areas, they have been neglected for long. Development plans of the country, therefore emphasized on rural economic development. But in the implementation of the planned objectives, the success was rather limited due to some constraints, at the top of which was the lack of participation by the stakeholders, the rural dwellers. The role played by government has failed at addressing the key issues in rural economic development. It is therefore, the responsibility of the Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) who can penetrate the rural communities to engage them in participatory development process for the rapid development of the rural areas. It is the rural dwellers alone who can effectively identify their own problems and adequately identify their perceived needs. It therefore, becomes imperative that they be involved in the design and