ABSTRACT
The study analyzed rural community participation in self-help projects in Southern
Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The sample size of the study
was 150 respondents which were made up of 75 males and females each. The
random sampling method was used in the distribution of the interview schedule
which was used in gathering data from the respondents. Data were analyzed with
percentages and means, while the tests of the hypotheses of the study were done with
the linear regression analysis and the t-test. Results of the socio-economic
characteristics of the respondents indicated a pooled mean of 42.64 years of age
and 7.70 years of schooling. The major self-help projects identified in the area were
pipe-borne water (22%), public toilet construction with 12.69% and markets with
10.67%. The least self-help project in the area was scholarship programme with
1.33%. The highest rate of gender participation in self-help responsibilities for men
was on decision on project type and location with 24%, while for women this activity
was the second with 21.33% rate of participation. The major effects of self-help
projects in rural development in the area were improved community action
(87.33%) and improved communication (70.67%) among the people. The least effect
was on the appreciation of the roles of women in development with 24.67%. Result
of the test of relationship between respondents’ socio-economic characteristics and
rate of participation indicated an R2 of 0.9541 with marital status, educational level,
occupation and gross income, exhibiting significant relationships with the rate of
participation. The t-test analysis indicated a non-significant difference between men
and women in the rate of participation in self-help project responsibilities. The study
recommends improvement in self-help project on scholarship programme and the
appreciation of the role of women in rural development in the area. |
