Community Leader and Its Roles in Rural Development in Bayelsa and Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined community leader and its role in rural development in Bayelsa and Rivers state. The central objective of the study is to examine how community leader can bring about rural, development in Bayelsa and Rivers state. Two research questions were formulated in line with the objectives. The research work employed a survey research method, using quantitative and qualitative designs. Four thousand (4,000) respondents from the eight (8) selected local government areas in Bayelsa and Rivers state as the sample size. Structured questionnaires were distributed to the four thousand (4,000) respondents, out of which three thousand nine hundred and ninety-one (3,991) copies were retrieved for data analysis. Four-point Likert scale for structured research questionnaires using arithmetic mean for data analysis. The findings revealed that look of infrastructural development in rural incessant high rate of corruption in governance amongst others are the problems facing rural development in Bayelsa and Rivers state. In this regard, the study recommended amongst that there should be synergy between the community leaders and development agencies that wish to embark on rural community development projects for effective execution, supervision and sustainability of the projects and programmes. Disciplinary measures should be taken against community leader and their representatives and development agencies representatives who are involved in embezzlement and misappropriation of funds no matter whose ox is gored to entrench transparency and accountability in rural development projects.

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