AN APPRAISAL OF THE NATIONAL POLICY ON INTEGRATED RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: SALIENT ISSUES FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL-URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Arising from the dismal performance of the rural sector in Nigeria owing to several years of neglect, degradation and increasing poverty cum urban bias, this study appraised the integrated rural development policy and sectoral strategies, identified issues bordering on the current rural development policies, with a view to coming out with key adjustments needed to enhance the growth and development of the rural areas, along-side sustainable urbanization, within the context of the on-going National Transformation Agenda. To achieve the aforementioned objectives of the study, secondary data and output of documented empirical studies were used. Data collected were analyzed using Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analytical tool, Scoones' Framework for Sustainable Rural Livelihood and descriptive analysis involving percentages and tabulation of data. While recognising the context of the rural-urban development of the country and the associated challenges, the study recommended the need to (i) focus on sustainable livelihood approaches to rural development which will emphasize the cross sectoral and multi-occupational diversity of rural livelihoods; (ii) simplify the institutional structure for rural development coordination in the country; (iii) put in place a framework which recognises simultaneous development of the rural and urban areas based on equity; (iv) ensure focused involvement to achieve scaled interventions that can effectively reduce poverty; (v) take advantage of the advancement in the communication sector and promote the use of sustainable, manageable, affordable, resource efficient technologies (SMART) for sustainable development of the rural areas.