1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The background of the study is the development of rural areas in Imo State. World Bank in its policy paper (1975:3-5), sees rural development as a strategy designed to improve the economic and social life of the rural people”. It also sees rural development as an economic issue which is based on “raising the low level of rural income through agricultural modernization”. Thus, the World Bank is of the view that economic increased productivity and production would lead to increase income and subsequently entire rural development.
According to Olayide (1981:203), rural development can be defined as a process whereby concerted efforts are made in order to facilitates significant increase in rural resources productivity with the central objectives of enhancing rural income.
Umebali (2002:182) in his own definition sees rural development as a process of planned changes for which one approach or the other is adopted for improvement and or transformation of rural populace”. It is also concern with improvement of life living standards of the low income population living in the rural areas on a self sustaining basis through transformation of the socio-economic, socio-spatial structures of their productive activities.
In the view of Richard (1984:116), the plight of the rural sector is an indictment of decades of neglect especially under the colonial rule. The officials emphasis being on the promotions of metropolitan commercial interest notably export production and evaluation. It involves the rational mobilization of the locally available human and material resources for socio-economic development, special change and growth within a specified space.
Moreso, rural development is considered as an integral part and driving force of the entire development process. It basically connotes qualitative improvement of the rural masses. It involves the rational mobilization of the locally available human and material resources for socio-economic development, spatial change and growth within a specified space seen in totality rural development embraces, social, cultural, economic, physical and political aspects of the ruralities.
Large-scale manufacturing has been the main thrust of Imo State development program over time. However is being wisely acknowledged that rural development should be the center piece for effective short and long run development of any country such as Imo State. Both the federal and state government on one hand and general public on the other hand attest to the fact through their efforts towards the development of Imo state.
From the fore-going, therefore it is clear that the government and people of the country now attach much importance to rural development. It is therefore, the need to achieve integrated rural development Visa-Visa national development that prompted the study with the objective of determining the role of the establishment of Imo state Oil producing Area and development commission (ISOPADEC) in the rural areas can play in this regards.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
It becomes imperative that Imo State oil producing area and development commission programs be given a tares trial in over search for a “messiah strategy”. Thus the study aims as addressing the problems of searching to the best development plan by finding out and analyzing the benefit of ISOPADEC with view of determining their relevance in rural development and ultimately natural development
These problems are:
- The rural areas are encountering problems in the economic development of the area.
- Lack of basic infrastructural facilities in the rural areas in Imo State
- They have the lowest income earners in Imo State for those who are engaged in petty trading and other small-scale entrepreneurship. Investigations by researchers have shown that the limit functions are yet to be attained by these banks.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study pervacles all the society. It will be a clear picture of Imo state oil producing area and development commission as a source route to effective and sustained industrialization as they are the progenitors of large-scale enterprise. Thus, the government and individuals with appreciate the obvious need to encourage and set up ISOPADEC.
In the rural areas and act in that as a result of their establishment may employ unemployed people. Consequently more goods and services will be produced. Besides, economic planners will find it useful and thus include ISOPADEC in planning for the development and growth of the economy.
1.4 Research Questions
In this research question, the following questions are adopted by the writer, these are:
- Do ISOPADEC play greater roles in development of rural areas in Imo State?
- Do ISOPADEC help the rural areas in Imo State to increase their high standard of living?
1.5 Statement of Hypothesis
The following hypothesis were formulated by the researchers.
Hypothesis is an idea or suggestion that is based on known facts and is used as a basis for reasoning or academic investigation. It is formulated to enable a researcher to draw conclusion in order to carry out good research work
- Ho: ISOPADEC does not play a greater role in development of rural areas in Imo state.
- Hi: ISOPADEC played a greater role in development of rural areas in Imo State
- Ho: ISOPADEC does not help the rural areas in Imo State
- Hi: ISOPADEC help the rural areas in Imo state.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is of vital significance and immense importance, firstly, it is important to the generality of Nigerians, thus the government and individuals will appreciate and set up ISOPADEC
The researcher will further assist the rural areas and act in that as a result of their establishment may employ unemployed people and consequently, more goods and services will be produce as well.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study has its own scope to investigate the contributions of Imo state oil producing area and development commission (ISOPADEC) in the development of rural areas in Imo State in the relation to effective rural development. Due to financial and time constraints that posed a huge hindrance to the researchers.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
The study will be limited to Imo State rural areas, thus, these limitation manifest, themselves in the form of upward fluctuation of transportation fares, cost of stationeries.
It is in the view of the above limitation that the study has narrowed down to cover only the role of Imo state oil producing area and development commission (ISOPADEC) in the development of rural areas in Imo state.
Consequently such areas as problems of establishing ISOPADEC and management aspect of it will not cover by the study.
1.9 Definition of Terms
ISOPADEC:
It is the act of modernizing and transforming the natural and human resources and as well as bringing about an increase in rural income, rural productivity, diversification of economy and general enhancement of the quality of the life in rural populace.
Development:
Is the availability of amenities such as good roads, electricity, good drinking water, existence of efficient transport system and marketing facilities leading to over all for well being of the citizens.
Rural Areas:
Rural area is an agrarian environment, where most of the agricultural products are cultivated. An environment in which most of the inhabitants or setters are peasant farmers.
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