United nations development programme (undp) and poverty alleviation in cross river state north senatorial district, nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the contributions of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) towards poverty reduction in Cross River State North Senatorial District, Nigeria. Hypothetically, the study stated that there is no significant relationship between UNDP infrastructural development, economic empowerment and poverty alleviation. Survey research design was adopted for this study. Data for testing the hypotheses were generated using a 15-item questionnaire entitled “United Nations Development Programmes and Poverty Alleviation Questionnaire” (UNDPPAQ). Data were collected from 764 respondents in two local government areas, through simple random sampling techniques. The generated data were statistically tested using One-way ANOVA. The test of hypotheses revealed that there is significant relationship between UNDP infrastructural development (motorable roads, energy generation, and water supply) and poverty alleviation. UNDP economic empowerment (agricultural loan, credit facilities, provision of fertilizers) significantly relate to poverty alleviation. It was concluded that United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) are important instrument for tackling poverty in Cross River North senatorial district. The study recommended that: poverty reduction strategy in Nigeria should focus more on educating the poor through capacity building, training, and skill acquisition. Economic policies of government should be geared towards job creation. In addition, special attention should be given to the needs of the marginalized, disadvantaged and vulnerable segments of the population including women towards their empowerment and self-sufficiency.