Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA) and Rural Development in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract. In spite of the efforts by successive administrations in Nigeria to address the issue of rural development, the rural areas remain backward in terms of development. This study, therefore, attempted to examine the effect of the SRRBDA on rural development in Sokoto State. The data for the study was collected by the use of questionnaire, interview, observations, as well as official records of SRRBDA, textbooks and other published and unpublished materials. The copies of the questionnaire were distributed in eight local government areas involving fifteen villages using purposive sampling and the data collected were analysed using chi-square statistical techniques in order to test the hypothesis. The revealed that the SRRBDA has not significantly enhanced rural development in the host communities through the provision of irrigation facilities and flood control. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended amongst others, that the SRRBDA should be redesigned for effective flood control and resettlement of displaced farmers.

Keywords. Rural Development, River basin, Irrigation, Flooding, Poverty, Rural area.

JEL. A10, E20, H50, N40, O12.