Facebook groups and youths’ facilitation of self-help rural development programmes in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the utilization of Facebook group discussion in the facilitation of rural development of Rivers State. The study was motivated by the fact that many youths in Rivers State are on social network, but they appeared not to be exploring it to solve socio-political problems of the people. Three research questions were posed to guide the study. Using the mixed research methods of the survey and content analysis, a multistage sampling technique was employed to select 384 respondents from the population. Data were collected using questionnaire and code sheet. The collected data were subsequently presented using simple percentages and frequency tables, and fourpoint Likert scale. The study found out that Rivers State youths use Facebook group to share messages or information that bordered on road renovation, environmental protection and increase in political consciousness. It equally found out that members of the community who live outside the community are always motivated to participate in sharing and execution of rural development programmes.Based on the findings, the study recommended that development agents and government should develop Facebook groups dedicated to different aspects of socio-economic and political development of the state.
Keywords: Facebook group, youth, rural development, self-help