Evaluation Of The Impact Of Rural Development Policy Of Ekiti State (2010 - 2014)

ABSTRACT

The role of rural infrastructural developmental policy in improving the weUare of rural

inhabitant cannot be over-emphasized. Rural areas provide the general populace with food and

also agricultural activities are carried out there, which is one of the main sources of expon for

the economy. Agricultural produce in rural areas is one of the main sources of income for the

farmer thereby providing them with source of income to make a living. Poor rural development

policy can hamper the growth and development of basic infrastructural facilities in rural

community which in turn can fuel rural- urban migration. Rural urban migration is a big

problem to economic development. Ekiti-state rural development program has not been so really

encouraging as many youth in rural areas migrate to urban cities for white collar joh and other

basic amenities which the rural areas lacks or is not sufficient. This necessitnted the need to

examine the impact of rural development policy of Ekiti -State .from 2010-201-1. The study was

conducted in Ekiti state. Data were col/ectedfrom 156 respondents with the use o_fq11estionnaire

in selected local government areas in the three senatorial districts in the 5tate. Data were

analysed using SPSS and presented using frequency tables and percentage, discussions were

made on the basis of the findings and results. The result shows that the rural developmen1

policies in the state have not really benefitted majority of the rural populace. This study

discusses the level o.f rural development policies and ifs impact on the social life o.f the people.

Finally, this study showed that rural developmental policy and strategy in Ekiti state does not

represent expectations or desires of the rural dwellers in any way. The study suggests,·

Government should always review rural areas development policy and strategy. Government

should set up monitoring and evaluation group for rural development in Ekiti state. Rural

dwellers in any