Conceptualizing Rural Development in the Twenty-First Century (Published)
The need to more accurately conceptualize the concept of rural development has increased during recent decades. This is largely the result of the absence of a universally accepted definition of rural development, the absence of universally accepted theories of rural development and the growing interest to theorize it, the persistent increase of rural poverty, and the growing need to formulate effective rural development policies that could address poverty in rural areas, but also because of the multifaceted ways in which rural development could be realized. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to offer a new definition or concept of rural development in the twenty-first century. To achieve this objective the study purely used secondary data. Thus, both theoretical and empirical literature deemed necessary to better understand the concept of rural development was rigorously reviewed. The review result shows that there is no universally accepted definition of rural development. As a result, the concept of rural development is widely recognized in the literature as a disputed notion both in practice, policy, and theory. Thus, this study approaches the task of conceptualizing rural development by providing a conceptual definition that serves both academics and practitioners. Moreover, the study also proposed different mechanisms through which rural development can be realized. Generally, the study concludes that emphasizing the need to supplement the theory behind the new rural development hypothesis with new definitions that help us to more precisely understand what is meant by rural development, this study offers a new definition of rural development as a necessary step in that direction.
Keywords: Poverty, Rural, Rural Development, concept, theories of rural development
Psychiatry of Rural Community Attributes on the Success of Extension Services Delivery in on-Farm Textile Innovations, Ondo State of Nigeria (Published)
The study aimed at establishing rural community attributes influence on the success of extension services delivery in on-farm textile innovation in Ondo State of Nigeria. Mainly, it examined the community socio-cultural characteristics, and analysed eco-institutional variables influencing the success of extension delivery. Purposive sampling procedure was used in selecting 50 percent of the Local Government Areas (blocks) from each of the two zones and, 25 percent of group of villages from each visited blocks in the State. A simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting ten percent of members in each of the on-farm textile stratum within each group of villages and 612 respondents were selected for the study. Structured and pre-tested validated interview schedule and questionnaire were used in collecting information from the respondents. The data were interpreted using descriptive analysis and correlation analysis in viewing relationship between success and community attributes. The study highlighted the level of success in extension services delivery of on-farm textile innovation as low. The ecological climate of the studied community favoured packages of the introduced innovations but, there was no accessible market for its produces. At p<0.01 and p < 0.05 the following community variables showed significant relationship with success viz: spatial system(r = -0.393**), prevailing age group(r = -0.557**), and tradition(r = -0.403*). It is suggested that, the proscribed marketing board for on- farm textile produces be resuscitated and annex of the market mechanism be stationed very close to the studied area.
Keywords: Innovation, Rural, Success, Textile, delivery, on-farm
THE ROLE OF FARMERS SOCIAL NETWORKS AND RURAL RADIO IN CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN OWERRI WEST AREA OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA. (Published)
The study was aimed at analyzing and ascertaining the role of farmers social networks and rural radio in climate change adaptation in Owerri West Area of Imo-State. The specific objectives were to (a) describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondent farmers in the study area, (b) ascertain farmers awareness of climate change, (c) describe the effects of climate change on agricultural activities of the respondents, (d) identify the various social networks in the study area and (e) identify roles of various social networks and radio in farmers adaptation to climate change. A simple random sampling method was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) farmers for the study. Frequency distribution percentages and mean were used in the analysis of data collected. Results of the study showed that majority of the respondents (76.7%) were males with a mean age of 53years. Results indicate that all the respondents were very much aware of climate change. Farmers also ascertain high rainfall, flooding, decrease in crop yield, erosion, storage losses and hot temperature (hot heat) as their observation due to effects of climate change. Social networks include cooperatives, age grades, town unions and religious groups etc. Some recommendations include: (a) Education of farmers about climate change and their modern adaptation measures which could be achieved by organizing seminars, conferences and programmes on climate change regular for them. (b) Government should link and collaborate with the farmers organization (social networks), research institutions and meteorological centres that will help in order to access information, design appropriate and affordable adaptation measures to climate change.
Keywords: Adaptation, Climate Change, Farmers, Radio, Rural, Social Networks