1.1 Introduction
Infrastructure is a critical component in the development of any economy. It includes a wide range of facilities and services such as transportation systems, power supply, water resources, telecommunications, and educational and health institutions. These elements form the backbone of a nation's socio-economic framework, fostering economic growth, improving quality of life, and enabling businesses to operate efficiently. Poor infrastructure can hinder economic growth by increasing the cost of doing business and reducing productivity. Similarly, unreliable power supply can disrupt industrial activities, leading to production losses and increased operational costs. In developing countries, where infrastructure deficits are often more pronounced, these challenges can be particularly acute, impeding progress and perpetuating poverty.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Globally the presence of infrastructure measures a country's greatness and level of development. Growth is positively affected by the stock of infrastructure assets of all the development that has taken place in Nigeria since political independence, perhaps none has been more striking and indeed more fascinating than that in the area of infrastructures process of Nigeria.
In developing countries, the challenges of inadequate infrastructure are more pronounced. According to the World Bank, approximately 1 billion people in low- and middle-income countries lack access to electricity, while 2.4 billion people live without proper sanitation facilities. These deficits not only hinder economic progress but also exacerbate poverty and inequality. For instance, poor road networks can isolate rural communities from markets and essential services, limiting economic opportunities and perpetuating poverty cycles. The relationship between infrastructure and economic development has been extensively studied. Researchers have established that infrastructure investment can lead to significant economic gains by reducing production costs, enhancing productivity, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). In a comprehensive review, Calderón and Servén (2014) found that infrastructure development positively impacts economic growth and reduces income inequality by creating jobs and fostering inclusive economic participation.
In the view, it beat observers imagination that decades after Nigeria self rule or political freedom from Britain, the government and its people still battle with twin problems of finding infrastructural development and imminent decay that set in soon after they are commissioned for use. In most countries of the world especially the less developed countries, there exist varying degree of economic inequalities while the urban area benefit and indeed show the presence of political administration, infrastructural facilities, high rate of poverty, ignorance, diseases, huger arising from economic neglect rural urban migration. There is no gain saying that the rural areas have enough infrastructural facilities. Infrastructures are basic essential, service that should be put in a place to enable development to occur. Socio-economic development can be facilitated and accelerated at all levels in Nigeria by the presence of social and economic infrastructures. The neglect of socio-economic development had led the country to heart acting poverty which has increased poverty rate.
According to Busari Ayansola (2012), if socio-economic infrastructures are not in place, development will be very difficult and infant can liken a very scarce commodity that can only be secured at a very high price and cost. The development of rural areas entails adequate provision of infrastructure. Because higher productivity and competitiveness requires higher level of infrastructural provision, development is driven by infrastructural provision, for eradication of problems of poverty, frustration, ignorance, diseases, crimes and rural urban migration which dominates rural areas. Successive administrations have in one way or the other made some concerted effort towards infrastructural development in the rural areas to solve the domestic socio-economic problems which have reflected in the main objectives of the rural development in Nigeria. It is clear that infrastructural development cannot be neglected in the socio-economic development of Khana Local Government Area. To prove the standard of living and it improve on their facilities. Base on the fact that infrastructure has developed a greater quantum in development of the nation, the research developed interest in ascertaining the determine the effects of poor infrastructural facilities on the socio-economic development of Khana Local Government Area.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that poor infrastructural facilities are identified as a problem. It is important to know that most of the poor people live in the rural areas including Khana Local Government Area which is characterized by lack or poor infrastructural facilities such as electricity and good road, portable drinking water, good communication system, health centres, leisure parks and so on. The absence of the facilities makes life miserable and unattractive in rural areas. There is massive rural-urban migration, mass death and increased diseases of kind because of non-provision of facilities and the consequences is low productivity and therefore hinders socio-economic development.
Due to lack of transportation and means of communication, sources of income like weaving of mat, fishing, carving and tools making, taping, poultry and small scale business which if pursued in the earnest could form the corner stone of mini-industries in the rural areas have suffered. The craft trades and farming are left in the hand of the old and weak who lacks the capacity skills and energy to turn them into the resource revenue earning.
Poor Health Centres, leisure parks has also increased mortality rate, depression, poor health, emotional imbalance which reduces life span.
Due to poor infrastructural, development have affected other sectors of Nigeria economics like political, medical, education and agricultural sector.
There are no enough infrastructural facilities in Khana Local Government Area, no more significant effort has been made by Government, voluntary agencies and concerned citizens to provide much needed infrastructure in most rural area in Nigeria.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the effects of poor infrastructural facilities on socio-economic development. In pursuant to this goal, the specific objectives of this study are to determine:
- The effort by the government in the provision of infrastructural facilities in Khana Local Government Area;
- The role of funding and investment in the development of infrastructure;
- The management practices and maintenance strategies for existing infrastructure;
- The role infrastructural facilities play on the socio-economic development; and
- The effects of poor infrastructural facilities on the socio-economic development of Khana Local Government Area.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does inadequate educational infrastructure impact student attendance, performance, and overall educational attainment?
- Does reliable electricity play crucial role in enhancing the quality of education, particularly in remote and underserved areas?
- Do poor road networks and public transportation systems affect mobility, access to markets, and employment opportunities in rural and urban settings?
- What are the infrastructural facilities needed for the socio-development of Khana Local Government Area?
- What are the effects of poor infrastructural facilities of Khana Local Government Area?
- What is the role of infrastructural facilities in socio-economic development of Khana Local Government Area?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Poor transportation infrastructure do not significantly increases the cost of doing business and reduces economic productivity
- H1: Poor transportation infrastructure significantly increases the cost of doing business and reduces economic productivity
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Insufficient access to clean water and sanitation facilities is negatively correlated with higher incidence rates of waterborne diseases
- H1: Insufficient access to clean water and sanitation facilities is positively correlated with higher incidence rates of waterborne diseases
1.7 Significance of Study
The study offers policymakers critical insights into the multifaceted impacts of poor infrastructural facilities on economic growth and social well-being. Specifically, the findings of this research will be relevant in the following ways.
- Public Health Officials: For public health officials, the study provides essential data on how poor infrastructure, particularly in water and sanitation, affects public health outcomes.
- Educational Administrators: Educational administrators benefit from the study's insights into the impacts of inadequate educational infrastructure on student performance and attainment. This knowledge is vital for planning and investing in school facilities, learning materials, and reliable electricity supply to enhance educational outcomes. Improving educational infrastructure is crucial for developing human capital, which is fundamental for long-term economic growth and poverty alleviation.
- Business Leaders and Investors: The study provides business leaders and investors with a clear understanding of how infrastructural deficits increase operational costs and reduce economic productivity. This information can guide investment decisions, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure to foster a more conducive business environment. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and innovative financing strategies are emphasized as effective mechanisms for infrastructure development, offering opportunities for private sector involvement in sustainable projects.
- Development Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Development agencies and NGOs can use the study's findings to better design and implement programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality. The research also supports efforts to build climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure, aligning with global development goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of this study is focused on the Effects of Poor Infrastructural Facilities on Socio-Economic Development in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. This research is limited to poor infrastructural facilities in the rural areas, particularly in Khana Local Government Area. It is a view of the consequences of non availability of infrastructural facilities in the Local Government Area that motivated the researcher to develop interest in this research topic.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Infrastructure: Infrastructure refers to the fundamental physical systems and facilities that are necessary for the functioning of a society and its economy. This includes transportation systems (roads, bridges, railways), energy supply (electricity, gas), water and sanitation systems, communication networks, and public institutions such as schools and hospitals (World Bank, 2021).
Socio-Economic Development: Socio-economic development is the process of social and economic improvement in a society. It encompasses economic growth, improvement in living standards, reduction of poverty and inequality, and enhancement of health, education, and overall quality of life. This development is often measured through indicators such as GDP, life expectancy, and income distribution (Sen, 1999).
Economic Productivity: Economic productivity refers to the efficiency with which goods and services are produced and delivered. It is often measured as the output per unit of input, such as labor or capital. High productivity indicates that an economy can produce more with the same or fewer resources, which is essential for economic growth and competitiveness (Aschauer, 1989).
Public Health: Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving the health of populations through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and control of infectious diseases. It involves the efforts of health authorities, communities, and organizations to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities (World Health Organization, 2022).
Educational Attainment: Educational attainment refers to the highest level of education that an individual has completed. It is a key indicator of human capital and is associated with better economic opportunities, higher incomes, and improved quality of life. Educational attainment is often measured through metrics such as literacy rates, graduation rates, and the proportion of the population with secondary or tertiary education (UNESCO, 2020).
Transportation Networks: Transportation networks consist of interconnected pathways and systems that facilitate the movement of people and goods. This includes roads, railways, airways, and waterways, as well as the vehicles and infrastructure that support these modes of transport. Efficient transportation networks are vital for economic activity, accessibility, and connectivity (Calderón & Servén, 2014).
Energy Supply: Energy supply refers to the provision of energy sources such as electricity, gas, and renewable energy to households, businesses, and industries. Reliable energy supply is crucial for powering economic activities, providing essential services, and improving quality of life. Energy infrastructure includes power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks (IEA, 2019).
