The Contributions Of Nalt -Nusho Programme To Poverty Alleviation In Enugu North Agricultural Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was undertaken to investigate beneficiaries\' and staff perceptions of the contributions of Nsukka Area Leaders of Thought /United Self-Help Organisation (NALT-NUSHO) programme to poverty alleviation in Enugu North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State. Data were collected from 110 respondents comprising 84 beneficiaries and 26 staff through the use of structured interview schedule and questionnaire, respectively, using a multi- stage random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using percentages and mean scores. The findings revealed that the beneficiaries got their information about NALT-NUSHO programme through friends and joined NALT-NUSHO to solve family/household consumption needs, start/increase business size and to be self reliant. The study also showed that NALT-NUSHO had contributed to some extent in alleviating the poor conditions of her beneficiaries through its savings and credit scheme. In the savings and credit scheme, the beneficiaries were given an average loan amount of N 6, 510 for a start which increases as the year passes but not above N 20, 000 which were used for trading and solving of household problems (especially payment of children school fees). Training/workshop programmes were organized for the beneficiaries and staff on yearly basis on credit management. On adequacy of roles played by NALT-NUSHO, both the beneficiaries and staff perceived loan disbursement, savings mobilization, weekly installment repayment and training workshop programmes to be adequate. The major constraints to effective performance of NALT-NUSHO programme as perceived by the beneficiaries and staff were insufficient loan, high interest rate, inadequate logistics, inadequate training opportunities for knowledge update in credit delivery and poor salary. The study recommends that government should encourage NALT-NUSHO in its effort to alleviate poverty among Nsukka rural poor through granting them soft loans and other incentives for improved programme performance.

Agro-Science Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 129-138