Sustainable Development Strategies for Rural Areas in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract:

Sustainable development is a new concept in development economics that needs not to be limited to towns and cities in developing economies like Nigeria. This study therefore examined the strategies for promoting sustainable development in Nasarawa State. The study was guided by cross-section survey design. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected from three rural areas in the State using simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire designed by the researchers was used as instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts and its reliability was ascertained using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient technique. Descriptive statistics, principally, simple percentages, mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis.The findings revealed that agricultural development and social services provisions have been the major rural development strategies adopted in the State that have been implemented in the State. The results also showed that less attention has been given to human capital development, political inclusion, infrastructural development and industrial growth. It was found that radio and television, farmers and traders association and collaboration with traditional councils are ways of creating awareness on sustainable rural development. However, exclusion of rural dwellers at the planning stage and absence of rural needs assessment were found to be the major challenges to sustainable rural development. The study revealed that employing contractors of projects from communities where projects are sited and the need to plan based rural realities can enhance rural dwellers involvement in sustainable rural development decisions. The study concluded that strategies for sustainable rural development in Nasarawa State have not been effectively designed and implemented because the emphasis has always been on agriculture. The study recommended that Government should always embark on rural development needs assessment, sustainable rural development should emphasis the bottom-top approach, greater investment in human capital and rural entrepreneurial initiatives.