An Appraisal of Nigeria’s Rural Development Programmes and Policies: Lessons Learnt and the way forward

Abstract

In Nigeria, development programmes and policies have been formulated over the years with a view to achieving greater social equity and maintaining socio-economic balance particularly among rural households. However, there are enormous gaps, between policy  formulation, implementation and reality in the level of development among the rural populace. It is within this context that this paper appraised the various policies and programmes targeted towards rural development which were put in place by various administrations in Nigeria. These programmes includes several ADPs, OFN, the Green revolution programme, Better life for African rural women, the various programmes implemented by the RBDAs as well as those carried out under the DFRRI. The paper went further to establish the various factors responsible for the failure of these programmes such as Exclusion of relevant professionals in policy formulation, planning and implementation, Conflicting programs and projects, Policy somersault and inconsistency, Corruption and embezzlement, Misplaced priority, Inadequate manpower and technical know-how. Based on the identified lapses in the implementation procedures, the study recommends that well balanced interactions should be established between the government and the various stakeholders in the rural sector not only when policies and programmes are formulated but also when they are being implemented and evaluated so that the much desired developmental activities can manifest. Concerted efforts should also be made to ensure that any policy or programme initiated is accomplished to the letter.