Many rural communities in Nigeria are struggling with socio-economic development, in line with the desire to increase energy access remains a strong driving force for poverty alleviation. This study therefore examines and investigates the impact of renewable energy projects on job creation and poverty reduction in selected rural communities in Doma Local Government, Nassarawa State, Nigeria. The objectives are to examine the impact of renewable energy project on job creation in Doma Local Government, Nassarawa State, Nigeria; examine the impact of renewable energy project on poverty alleviation in Doma Local Government, Nassarawa State, Nigeria. The study reviewed relevant theoretical and empirical literature, drawing its theoretical framework from sustainable livelihood framework. The research design employed a descriptive survey research technique, with a close-ended questionnaire serving as the principal instrument for data collection. Utilizing Stratified sampling technique to selecting five (5) communities in Doma LGA; Rukubi, Okpatta, Yelwa, Akura and Fadama. These communities were selected considering their predominantly rural characteristics and the presence of ongoing renewable energy projects. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation analysis as the selected statistical method. The study found a significant negative relationship between renewable energy projects and job creation but a significant positive relationship between renewable energy and poverty alleviation. It was therefore recommended that, there is need for training programs to equip local communities with the necessary skills for jobs in renewable energy projects such as installations, maintenance and operation.
Keywords: Job Creation, Poverty Reduction, Renewable Energy
