Rural Governance: Challenges and Possibilities for Rural Development in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The paper sought to investigate governance at the rural community’s level with the view to finding out challenges and possibilities for development. To achieve this, 3 objectives and 3 research questions were investigated. Primary data was generated from the field through the use of structured and unstructured interview questions, while secondary data was generated from books, journals, historical records and unpublished monograph. However, 150 respondents were selected using purposive sampling technique. This technique required each of the respondents to meet the criteria that made their information relevant to the subject matter. Description statistical techniques were employed in the summary and analysis of the data collected. The results showed
that there were possibilities, such as availability of human and natural resources, the willingness of community members in the development process etc, while skilled man power, political will, were rated very low. In addition there were challenges that attempted to hinder development efforts. These included high level of illiteracy, corrupt practices, low internally generated revenue, top-bottom approach to development and others. The study recommends among others that human capital development, discouragement of top-bottom approach and improper utilization of available funds for development etc should be intensified.