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THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT (A CASE STUDY OF ANAOCHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE)

ABSTRACT

This work was undertaken with  a view  to ascertaining the effort made so far in the area of rural development in  Nigeria with  a focus  on Anaocha Local government Area of Anambra state as a case study, which delved into the following areas. Evaluation of the performance of Anaocha local government   council with  reference to their  service to the rural dwellers and the relationship between the local government council and the people.  The method of the research  work for these study  was through primary and secondary data. It was based on the use of relieved literature related to the study from textbooks,  papers, interviews , questionnaire and direct observation. The finding made include the following;Lack of  adequate finance. unidentification of priority projects within the local government. Inability to generate internal revenue for development.  negative attitude of the communities.  Poor attitude of the workers it the local government. From the findings made above a number of recommendations if implemented would remedy the situation of the rural communities. They include: Adequate funding of the local governments.  Identification of the priority project within the local government  Transparency among various authorities in the local government council.  Reduction in the number of political appointees in the local  government  council.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The local government, were created so as to enable the central government (federal government) exercise effective. Hence, among the effective role of the local government (Anaocha local government) is the provision of      two  way communication channel between the ltolas communities  and the central  government through the mobilization of  human  and material resources at the grass root. The implication of the above is that the concept of rural as well as national development on effective local government leaderships and administration for its success (Ngwu 1980) It also, implies that effective local  government is required for the planning, preparation and submission of the proposal for funding and initiation of any meaningful development project in Nigeria, this goes a long way to validate the assertion  made by  Agu (2001) that effective and efficient  leadership and administration of the  local government is required for  the sustenance  and utilization of development project in any nation. Hence the  studies of Ezike (1998:45) and Hassan (1999:66) revealed that effective implement  of development  project are contingent on strong leadership of the local  government  area, particular at the planning stage.

In rural as well as national development, the understanding of the local power structure is capable of enhancing or impeding the implementation of development project. In addition local government (Anaocha) leadership is always required for the genuine involvement of the people at the grass root in any development project or activities of the government. However, the local government (Anaocha)  had  actually in fulfilling  their roles due to both financial  as well as political  problem. According to Williams(1998-50)most local government in  Nigeria suffer from inadequate financial resources, this  was recently known as zero accusation. Anaocha local government  was vastly affected by  this zero allocation epidemic and this affected a great number of developmental activities including the payment of its staff. Consequently, the available fund was not appropriately used due to the frustrating effort of the local government authority effort of the local government authority which was as a result of mismanagement. The local government in some cases suffer from over-staffing to the extent that most of its recourses are spent on the payment  of staff salaries.

1.2    STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Local government is the third tier  government established  to bring the presence  of government  nearer to the people at the  grass root,  with the aim  of providing some basic  functions or needs  of life such as, food, shelter, job opportunities primary b health  service, primary education, by roads,  market and so on. But contrary to expectations, the local governments have noticeable failed in their constitutional responsibilities. They are generally classified as been unproductive (President Oluegun Obasanjo in his address to the nation on the reasons behind the current local government reform: 2003. This current reform going on now is one of the major reforms previously done  on the local  government  system  in Nigeria, with their  sole objective of reforming the local government  system  to be effective and efficient  and responsive and   objective.

The  local government is  faced  with  a number of problems. This  study  is equivocally  poised to investigate this  problems  with a view to fashion out  solutions to them. Some of the problems  with a view to fashion out  solutions to them. Some of the problems t looks  at in this study includes:

- The problem unproductively in the  local government.

- The problem of unemployment  and low  incomes   for  target group.

- Lack of improved qualities in the basic needs of life- food, shelter, job opportunities health service,  education etc.

- Inability of the local government council to ensures that  the poorer  section of the population has  some  share in the  fruits  of economic activities.

-  Lack of social services and economic  growth. 

1.3  objective of the study

The major aims  of this  research is to examine the effects  of local government  administration on rural development using Anaocha local government as a case study . Hence, the objectives  of the study are as follows:  

(1)  To identify the role  of Anaocha local  government   in the development of its  rural area.

(2) To  ascertain the effects of inefficient  administration  on the operations of Anaocha local  government    particularly  as it relates  to rural development.

(3) To suggest the strategies for effective  local  government    administration in  Anaocha local  government Area.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. This  study  will be guided by the local research questions.

2. What are the major roles of Anaocha  local  government in rural development.

3. What are the Obstacles, if any that militate against the implementation  of rural development programmes in Anocha local  government.

4. What are the strategies for  effective local  government administration  in Anaocha local  government.    

1.5  SIGNIFICANCE  OF THE STUDY  

The findings  of this  research will help different categories of people to understand. This would be made  possible because these  problems  have been earlier stated in the  study to these  problems. The significance  of the study  those problem affecting  Anaocha local government and their solutions  for  the relevant authorities  to implement  for effective and efficient local  government administration.      

1.6   SCOPE  OF THE STUDY

This research is a survey research conducted in Anaocha local government Area. The study borders on the role of local government on rural development as well as the problems hindering effective   local government in Nigeria.

1.7  DEFINITIONS OF MAJOR TERMS

a.  RURAL AREA. Nigeria classifies any area with a population of 20, 000 people and below as a rural area. They are those areas, which are in a state of depression, degradation and deprivation and immersed in poverty.

b. Community:  Is  derived from the latin  word  “Communis” Meaning “Common” Webster dictionary defined it as a small unit within a large one having interests,   work etc. common. Maclver sees community as an area of social living marked by same   degree of social coherence.

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