Involvement of non-governmental organisations' in Rural Development in Nigeria: A case study of Osogbo Catholic Diocesan Rural Development Programme (RUDEP)

Abstract

Rural development is aimed at integrating the relatively backward rural communities into the sphere of national development. Highly recognised in respect of this are the efforts of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) like the Catholic Diocesan Rural Development Programme (RUDEP) providing extension services to local farmers. To assess the programme, the study described the personal characteristics of farmers involved in the programme, identified the benefits derived by farmers and assessed their perception of RUDEP. A total of 110 respondents were sampled from nine farmers' groups selected proportionately from a total of 26 farmers' groups covered by the programme. Pre-tested and validated interview schedule was then used for data collection. The results show that majority of the farmers were aged between 31 and 60 years; mostly Christians (76.4%) and indigenes of the respective communities (72.7%). The main benefits derived by farmers from RUDEP were procurement of farm inputs, advice on savings, farm management recommendations and procurement of credits. They consequently had favourable disposition towards the programme. It was concluded that RUDEP facilitated the agricultural production and socio-economic development of rural dwellers in the programme areas.