Challenges of Local Government Administration on Rural Development in Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract. This study is an examination of the impact and challenges of local government administration on rural development in Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study relied on both primary and secondary data. 218 questionnaires were received and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software. Basic needs approach was adopted for this study. Findings from the study showed the majority of the respondents agreed that Kaiama Local Government council has not adequately enthroned development in Kaiama as it has not ensured adequate water supply, the provision of basic health facilities,rural road construction and improvement in other social amenities in the local government. Majority of the respondents also agreed that the failure of leadership at local level affects rural development and that community development is not adequate in the Local Government as a result of corruption and diversion qf projects by local government officials amongst others also hinder development in Kaiama The paper concluded that rural development is largely undermined in Kaiama Local Government and recommended that political appointees and workers in Kaiama must imbibe the culture of leadership by example anchored on selfless service to the people with total commitment and sacrifice. Kaiama Local Government should be more people-centred in approach, such that necessary collaboration or partnership with communities in its domain can facilitate the process of rural development. Both government and non governmental progremmes on development should be implemented and executed in Kaiama. There should be periodic monitoring of Local Government projects. Political consideration in the allocation of contracts should be discouraged in Kaiama. Keywords: Kaiama, Local Government, Rural, Development.