Effects of Socio-economic Indicators on Development of Rural Communities in Nigeria

Abstract

This research assessed of the effect of socio-economic development indicators on rural communities using Okigwe Local Government Area as a case study. The study is both descriptive and cross-sectional design with a sample size of eighty (80) respondents comprising of farmers, brick layers and quarry workers who were selected through purposive random sampling. The data used in this study were collected through a well-structured questionnaire and yearly record of activities from the respondents and cooperative societies. The result showcased that it was obvious that the indicators of socio-economic development in Okigwe L.G.A were Rock quarrying, Agricultural production and bricklaying.  The figure showed that agricultural production is a steady activity engaged by a good proportion (54.17%) of respondents which help them to eke out a living. However, rock quarrying is another activity that majority (26.39%) of the respondents engage in to make ends meet. The result also showed that only few (19.44%) of the respondents engage in brick laying to meet their daily needs. Investment in agriculture, rock quarrying and block molding in the study area have recorded tremendous benefits stemming from boosting agricultural production, increase in workers take home pay, increase income generation etc. The farmers should be educated on how to maximize profit in farming operations and the respondents should be trained on how to gain access to grants from the government be it federal or state so as to boost their productivity.