Authors : H.M. Ndifon , M.B. Onabe and N.M. Nkang
Abstract: Over the decades, it has been observed that most rural development projects in Nigeria meant for the rural people are not being used by the rural dwellers due to several reasons which may include level of awareness, income, participation in the implementation phase, etc. This study therefore, seeks to determine the most dominant factors that affect the usage of Integrated Rural Development (IRD) projects in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. Specifically, the paper examines the relationship between income and the usage of infrastructural facilities, as well as the relationship between the level of awareness and the usage of infrastructural facilities in the study area. A sample of 80 respondents from 10 villages was drawn using multi-stage sampling method and structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on socio-economic characteristics, availability of infrastructural facilities, frequency of usage, involvement during planning and implementation stage of projects, etc. The findings of study revealed that there was a significant relationship at the 5% level between the income level of the respondents and the usage of IRD facilities in the area. Further than this, a significant relationship at the 5% level was also found between the level of awareness of the respondents and the usage of infrastructural facilities except for market facilities. Beyond these, some constraints for optimum usage of facilities were identified and they include low-income, lack of access roads, lack of involvement of rural people in planning implementation stages of IRD projects, among others. The study therefore, recommends that involvement of rural people in the planning/implementation of the IRD projects, providing means of increasing or at least making their income levels sustainable as well as creating greater awareness regarding IRD projects in their areas would enhance the usage as well as maintenance of these facilities and hence would reduce the wastage of government resources that may result due to lack of usage of these facilities.
H.M. Ndifon , M.B. Onabe and N.M. Nkang , 2007. Analysing Constraints to the Usage of Integrated Rural Development Projects in Nigeria: A Case Study of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State . Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 4: 635-638.