INTRODUCTION
1.1 STATEMENT OF INTRODUCTION
Local government as the third tier of government in Nigeria is the closest government to the people, as it deals with people from the grassroots level. It is therefore, pertinent to stress that its importance is significant in the socio-economic and political life of Nigeria where majority of the populace resides in rural communities cannot be over emphasized. The major reason for establishing local government is to bring government to local communities, so that the local people can participate fully in the process of governance, in order to provide essential local services, this will speed up the pace of socio-economic and political development (Ogunna 2010). But the tragedy of the situation is that local government have very limited and circumscribed source of revenue to enable them execute meaningfully and effectively the functions and responsibilities assigned to them.
A basic resource approach which was adopted during colonial administration, assumed that development is a function of the existence, magnitude and quality of natural resources. Hence the exploitation and development of the natural resources automatically create large investment capital and increases economic activities which facilities employment and income generation. It because that area endued with natural resource, should expectedly grow faster than less endowed areas and also hasten the process of rural development. This argument is however faulted on the premise that there are areas abundantly endowed with basic natural resources which have continued to stagnate especially in Nigeria. This however adds the dimension of availability of competent labour force and committed leadership which are sine qua non for achieving sustainability rural development and economic development (Abah N. 2010).
The assessment of the success and problem of Aboh Mbaise Local Government in rural development seeks to evaluate the local government on the impacts made in it’s communities as regards to rural development and also the problems facing the local government,which may serve as hindrances or setbacks towards achieving more success.
(Anyichi, D 2010), the generality of the rural populace in Nigeria lives below the poverty line and thus, lives in hunger and starvation.
In essence, as stated earlier in the first paragraph, the local government is the closest government to the people, as it deals with the people from the grassroot level, so as to reduce the poverty level and better the rural lives.
Since the creation of local governments as the third tier of government in 1976, there were responsibilities assigned to them, as included in the 1999 constitution as amended, thus are;
- Responsibility for basic environmental sanitation as well as other aspects of preventive health services. For instance, the environmental health officers, of which the local government is in charge, ensure that people keep their environments tidied.
- Administration of maternity centers, dispensaries leprosy clinic and health centers.
- Construction and maintenance of rural roads and drains apart from federal and state roads.
- Jurisdiction over local inland waterways not designated as international waterways.
- Rural water supply and extension of urban supply.
- Construction and maintenance of primary schools.
- Agriculture and veterinary extension services.
- Town planning functions to ensure people build in the appropriate locations as against building in dangerous or prohibited places.
- Care of markets, motor parks, and gardens.
- Maintenance of law and order especially through task forces, the civil defense corps, and local vigilante groups.
- Fire services.
- Lighting and drainage.
- Control of pollution by ensuring good waste management system.
- Providing and maintaining public utilities.
- Public housing programmes.
- Control of traffic and parking
- Collection of rate and licenses.
- Marriages, birth and death registration and issuance of relevant certificates.
- Issuance of government certificate of origin to citizens who hail from such a local government Area
At this point, it is note worthy to summarize the functions of the local government councils who in conjunction with the local government chairman are drivers of local government affairs. So the local government in Nigeria should therefore become really equipped and empowered and also held accountable in delivering good governance to the grassroots people of Nigeria.
1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEM
It is observed that most of the efforts at rural development often failed to improve the living standard of the people significantly. The rural− urban drift of the jobless youths persists, with the disturbing urban population explosion. It is observed that poor funding constitutes a major challenge in rural development because of the already endemic poverty cycle associated with rural dwellers. Unless there is external financing of rural development projects, these projects experience problems taking off the ground. The challenge of poor funding, if not addressed would further worsen the already bad condition of the rural communities in Aboh Mbaise local government area.
The problems posed by poor funding may increase the burden of levies to the rural communities, which most of the times outstreach the resources of the rural communities and further pauperize them. This challenge is one of the burdens of this study as it concerns rural communities in Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State.
Corruption has remained a notable cankerworm that eats deep into the fabrics of most societies. Money meant for rural development is often siphoned by few individuals in positions of leadership in the rural communities. There is need to plug the holes through which public fund is lost to these corrupt local leaders. It is therefore necessary to investigate how to plug these loop holes that have remained a problem to rural development, especially in Aboh Mbaise local government area.
There is always the cry of neglect and youth migration by most rural communities. It is possible that while the government is concentrating on urban development, she neglects the rural communities with their comparatively larger population. Sometimes, this neglect may result in apathy by the rural communities. The neglect of the rural communities by governments at all levels leaves the rural areas underdeveloped.
That poses the challenge of how to bring the attention of the governments to the need to include the rural communities in their development programmes. In the same vein, youth migration leaves behind deserted rural communities, especially those in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area with the loss of valuable and skilled manpower for rural development. This is a challenge the study investigated
Mention should be made of the challenges of lack of skilled man-power, grassroots leadership and poor participation. Most rural communities lack skilled manpower which further compounds the challenge of rural development. Unskilled, old and aged parents have little or no contribution to mechanized agriculture and rural development. This challenge is investigated. Rural communities may not have proper leadership to mobilize and organize the people towards rural development.
This possible lack of leadership may render rural communities, especially communities of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State without direction and goals for rural development. This constitutes a problem for this study. Poor participation by rural populace constitutes a problem for rural development in many rural communities. The rural dwellers should participate significantly in rural development and grassroots politics.
The grassroots politics ought to help the rural people to initiate and execute the projects in their area in order to achieve even development. But because of poor participation, the rural people remain apathetic to rural development programmes in their area.
The problem of this study is to investigate the above challenges of rural development which include; poor funding, corruption, neglect, apathy, youth migration, unskilled manpower, poor leadership and poor participation in the rural communities of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State and to recommend a rural development model for an accelerated and sustainable rural development in the area.
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH
1.3.1 AIM OF THE RESEARCH
The aim is to access the successes and problems of Aboh − Mbaise local Government Area Imo State in performing its development functions in the rural communities within the Local Government Area.
1.3.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH
In order to achieve the aim of the research, certain objectives are set;
- To identify the rural communities within Aboh − Mbaise Local Government Area.
- To review the statutory responsibilities set for the local government by the 1999 constitution.
- To identify the sources of funding for Aboh-Mbaise local government council.
- To identify the development projects undertaken by Aboh-Mbaise local government council within the last few years.
- To identify the projects completed and those abandoned.
- To review the level of success of Aboh-Mbaise local government area in its rural development function.
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study is limited in scope, in its geographical boundary. The study is concerned with Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area Council only. It specifically identifies the communities within the local area. It also identifies the sources of funding, projects being executed (both those completed and abandoned). It also meant to review the constitutional responsibilities of local government area council and examine the level of success and failures of the project
1.5 STUDY AREA
1.5.1 LOCATION AND SIZE
Aboh Mbaise is a local government area in Imo state with administrative headquarters in the town of aboh. Aboh Mbaise local government area falls within the Eastern Senatorial district of Imo state otherwise known as Imo East Senatorial District.
Aboh Mbaise local government area covers an area of 184km2 and a population of 195,652 at 2006 census. The local government area is bounded to the north by Ikeduru, and Ahiazu Mbaise local government area, to the east by Ezinihitte Mbaise local government area to the South-East by Abia state, to the South West by Ngor-Okpala local government area, and to the West by Owerri North local government area.
Aboh Mbaise local government area falls within the coordinates of 5o27’N 7o14’E,
1.5.2 TOPOGRAPHY AND SOIL
The estimate and terrain elevation of Aboh Mbaise above sea level is 120metres. The study area is known by one geological formation, which is the coastal plain sand. From the investigations carried out, the study area is generally with flat surface, which is good for agricultural activity.
1.5.3 CLIMATE AND VEGETATION
Climate refers to the average atmospheric condition of an area over a reasonable period of time, say 35years. Imo state falls within the sub-equatorial south region, and it is within the study area, Aboh Mbaise local government area. The region witnesses the long wet season with heavy rainfall and high humidity which starts in March and stops in July, also a short dry season in August known as “August Break”, the short wet season that lasts from September to October following the August break and the long dry and harmattan season that last from November to mid-march. The region lies in the rain forest zone, characterized by growth of tall trees and thick forest. Oil palm trees are also scattered in the area with cultivation of crops like cassava and yam inter crop with maize is often inherent in the study area.
1.5.4 ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area has commercial activities preoccupying the inhabitants. The study areas are engaged in a lot of local trade. The local government has the following notable market: Eke Nguru, Afor Enyiogugu, One Uvuru, Afor Oboama
Some of this market operate at four/eight day’s interval and are located at the community centers.
1.5.5 TRADITION AND CULTURE
Aboh-Mbaise came under the British rule in 1902 during the Anglo-Aro War, when the British Aro expeditionary force subdued the Aro confederacy in Owerri and Nbaise by 1906, at the conclusion of operation, present days Mbaise was under British control with some local autonomy. Aboh-Mbaise is predominately igbo people about 90% are Catholics and protestants and other religious make up the remainder. Some cultural and tradition event include: the eight days Ahiaanjoku Festival honored the yam deity, the annual august 15 new yam festival. Aboh-Mbaise women are noted for the fertility. To be an Eghu Ukwu, a woman must bear at least 10 children, Mbaise culture is rich in music and igbo dance. There dances for childbirth, marriage, funerals, communal labor and other social occasions.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS/ HYPOTHESIS
1.6.1 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- Which are the rural communities in Aboh-Mbaise?
- What are the statutory functions of Aboh-Mbaise local government area?
- What are the sources of funding for Aboh-Mbaise local government area?
- What development projects have local government embarked on in the last few years?
- What is the level of project completion and project abandonment in Aboh-Mbaise local government area?
- How successful has Aboh-Mbaise local government area being in it rural development function?
- What are the constraints limiting Aboh-Mbaise local government area in the successful execution of its local government functions?
1.6.2 HYPOTHESIS
Null Hypothesis (Ho) presents a negative assumption while alternative Hypothesis (Hi) emphasizes positive assumption.
For the research, therefore the following hypothesis is put forward for testing.
- (Ho) inadequate funding is not a major factor to the failure of Aboh-Mbaise local government in executing their rural development functions.
(Hi) inadequate funding is a major factor to the failure of Aboh-Mbaise local government in executing their rural development functions.
- (Ho) Aboh-Mbaise local government area council has not been very successful in performing its rural development functions.
(HI) Aboh-Mbaise local government area council has been very successful in performing its rural development functions.
1.7 PLAN OF THE STUDY
The research is made up of five (5) chapters, chapter one deals with the introduction of the research, research problems, aims and objectives, scope of the study. The study area, research questions and hypothesis are also part of chapter one.
1.8 SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY
This research is significant in many ways first:
It forms a body of knowledge for use by future researchers, A.es academic significance.
Recommendations of the research will provide advisory materials to the federal government. When the recommendation are appraised and accepted by the user organizations and stakeholders the public will benefit immensely from the changes that will be made in local government financing and administration structure were applicable.
