THE CONTRIBUTION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGOS) TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT: The present study is primarily aimed at scrutinising and evaluating the multifaceted functions undertaken by non-governmental organisations in the advancement of rural regions. The study is additionally intended to discern the underlying factors contributing to the suboptimal level of engagement exhibited by non-governmental organisations in developmental endeavours, as well as explore potential strategies for enhancing their efficacy. The research was primarily conducted on a community self-help organisation situated in the Awgu Local Government Area. A sample size of 100 was chosen from the overall population using the method of simple random sampling. The researcher employed a combination of primary and secondary sources of data, encompassing oral interviews and questionnaires, textbooks, journals, documents, and newspapers. The diligent researcher devised a total of one hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires, yet only one hundred (100) of them were ultimately chosen and retrieved. In the pursuit of this research endeavour, statistical methodologies were also employed as indispensable tools. The research methodology employed in this study entailed the utilisation of questionnaires, which were selected as a suitable tool due to their compatibility with the historical nature of the research. The pertinent data that facilitated and formed the bedrock of the questionnaires encompassed the theories of development and rural development, as well as the literature pertaining to the functions of non-governmental organisations in the advancement of rural areas. In a definitive manner, the dearth of fundamental infrastructure and the challenges stemming from insufficient orientation significantly diminish the magnitude of projects being undertaken for the advancement of rural regions. The government ought to exert efforts in ensuring the provision of fundamental social amenities in our rural regions, thereby mitigating the potential financial constraints that may impede the operations of non-governmental organisations.