Background of the Study
Poverty is a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where agricultural activities, which are the main source of livelihood, face numerous obstacles such as limited access to credit, poor infrastructure, and low levels of education (Akinyemi & Alabi, 2024). Bosso Local Government in Niger State is one of the many rural areas in Nigeria where poverty remains widespread, despite the implementation of various poverty alleviation policies by the government. The Nigerian government has introduced several national and state-level poverty reduction initiatives aimed at addressing these issues, including the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme, and the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), all of which focus on providing support to vulnerable populations, improving rural livelihoods, and promoting sustainable economic growth (Bello & Mohammed, 2023).
Despite these efforts, rural poverty continues to persist, particularly in Bosso Local Government, where the effects of poverty are most visible in the form of limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Agricultural production in the region is constrained by outdated farming techniques, limited access to markets, and a lack of financial support for small-scale farmers (Ibrahim & Okuneye, 2024). This study aims to appraise the effectiveness of poverty alleviation policies in improving the livelihoods of rural residents in Bosso Local Government by examining the implementation, outcomes, and challenges of these policies at the local level.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the introduction of several poverty alleviation policies aimed at improving rural livelihoods in Bosso Local Government, poverty rates remain high, and many rural residents continue to struggle with basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. National programs like NAPEP and CCT have had limited impact due to factors such as inadequate implementation, insufficient funding, and poor coordination between federal, state, and local authorities (Umaru et al., 2023). Moreover, many rural residents are unaware of the available poverty alleviation programs, and access to these services is often hindered by geographical and infrastructural barriers. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies in improving the livelihoods of people in Bosso and to identify the factors that have hindered their success.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
To assess the effectiveness of poverty alleviation policies in improving rural livelihoods in Bosso Local Government, Niger State.
To examine the impact of poverty reduction programs on the economic empowerment of rural residents in Bosso.
To identify the challenges faced in implementing poverty alleviation policies in Bosso Local Government and propose solutions.
1.4 Research Questions
To what extent have poverty alleviation policies improved the livelihoods of rural residents in Bosso Local Government, Niger State?
How have poverty reduction programs impacted economic empowerment in Bosso Local Government?
What are the main challenges to the effective implementation of poverty alleviation policies in Bosso Local Government?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
Poverty alleviation policies have significantly improved the livelihoods of rural residents in Bosso Local Government.
Access to poverty reduction programs has led to increased economic empowerment among rural residents in Bosso.
Limited funding and poor implementation are key barriers to the success of poverty alleviation policies in Bosso Local Government.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of poverty alleviation policies in rural Nigeria, specifically in Bosso Local Government. The findings will inform policymakers and development practitioners about the successes and challenges of implementing these policies at the local level and offer recommendations for improving poverty reduction strategies in rural areas. By evaluating the impact of these policies on the livelihoods of rural residents, this study will contribute to efforts aimed at achieving sustainable rural development and poverty reduction in Nigeria.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on Bosso Local Government, Niger State, and evaluates the effectiveness of poverty alleviation policies in improving rural livelihoods. It is limited to assessing national and state-level poverty reduction programs and their impact at the local level. The study's limitations include challenges in accessing accurate and up-to-date data on poverty rates, as well as the potential biases in self-reported data from residents and local government officials.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Poverty Alleviation Policies: Government strategies and programs designed to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for impoverished communities.
Rural Livelihoods: The means by which rural residents earn a living, often centered around agriculture, small-scale businesses, and remittances.
Economic Empowerment: The process of enabling individuals or communities to increase their economic status and self-sufficiency.
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