An Appraisal of Poverty Alleviation Programmes in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper analyses Nigerias past poverty alleviation measures as well as assessing the reasons for their inability to achieve set goals and targets. It is also aimed at formulating a framework for building and implementing future poverty alleviation strategies in Nigeria. The paper suggests a participatory approach to the planning, formulation and implementation of future policies on poverty alleviation in the country. This approach emphasizes the future involvement of the poor in the whole process of poverty alleviation activities if they are to be meaningful and result oriented. However, consulting the poor and seeking their understanding of poverty, is not an end in itself since consultation without participation in their development, amounts to no consultation.

Keywords: Poverty, unemployment, rural, policy, income, and underdevelopment