AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POVERTY ALLEVIATION INITIATIVES

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study Between the 1960s and early 1970s, poverty in Nigeria was relatively minimal, with only a small fraction of the population living below the poverty line (Ogwumike, 2002). During this period, Nigeria experienced consistent economic growth and a relatively stable political and economic environment. The nation's economy, along with per capita income, grew steadily, supported by thriving agricultural industries and a public sector capable of absorbing a large proportion of the labor force (Ogwumike, 2002). However, a significant shift occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when poverty levels began to rise. The global community was confronted with distressing images broadcast through the media: malnourished children, displaced families, impoverished women, and elderly individuals in critical conditions—scenes largely depicting life in Third World countries. These alarming visuals prompted an international response, culminating in a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conference on poverty held in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference aimed to address the multidimensional nature of poverty and propose comprehensive solutions. One key outcome was the recognition that poverty is not absolute but rather relative, varying by context and society (UNDP, 2011). In Nigeria, the incidence of poverty sharply increased by the mid-1980s. For example, between 1985 and 1986, approximately 43% of the Nigerian population lived below the poverty line (Ravallion & Badani, 1994). This figure rose significantly over the following years—reaching 53% in 1996 and climbing further to 61% in 1997. By 1999, an estimated 66% of the population was living in poverty, positioning Nigeria as the 54th poorest country in the world according to the Human Poverty Index (CBN, 2003). In response to the growing poverty crisis, successive Nigerian governments launched a series of poverty alleviation programmes aimed at curbing the trend. These included the Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) in 1986; the Better Life Programme (BLP) in 1987; the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) also in 1987; the Family Support Programme (FSP) in 1993; and the Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP) in 1997, among others (National Bureau of Statistics, 2010). These initiatives were designed to reduce poverty levels and promote socio-economic development across the country. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Nigeria has been significantly burdened by the dual challenges of poverty and underdevelopment. These issues can be traced to a range of systemic factors, including the mismanagement of human and material resources, widespread indiscipline, and a persistent lack of political will on the part of successive governments—stretching from the post-independence era to contemporary times. Instead of genuinely addressing the pressing issues of development and poverty reduction, many political leaders and policymakers have exploited public office for personal enrichment. These leaders have often turned their positions into platforms for financial recklessness, corruption, embezzlement, and illicit capital flight, all while neglecting the pressing developmental needs of the citizenry. Although several poverty alleviation programmes have been initiated, their implementation has been fraught with irregularities, with corruption emerging as a dominant impediment to their success. Ogboru and Abimiku (2012) contend that corruption—deeply entrenched in Nigeria’s socio-political fabric—is a major factor behind the persistent poverty levels. Corruption erodes state institutions, weakens governance structures, and undermines efforts to promote equitable development and social justice. Mismanagement and the diversion of resources were prevalent among officials charged with executing these poverty alleviation programmes. According to Adekoye (2010), there is evidence that some officials used their positions to channel funds toward personal gain or to benefit associates, with no accountability or intention to repay these resources. In many instances, funds allocated for specific beneficiaries were re-routed, rendering them unrecoverable and defeating the purpose of the programmes. Against this backdrop, the present study seeks to critically assess the impact of poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria, with the goal of evaluating their effectiveness and identifying the systemic issues that hinder their success. 1.3 Objective of the study The broad objective of the study is An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Poverty Alleviation Initiatives. The specific objectives is as follows i.To identify factors responsible for poverty in Nigeria ii.To assess the impact of poverty alleviation programmes on the economic stability of Nigeria. iii.To evaluate the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programmes in improving the living standards of beneficiaries. iv.To identify the challenges of poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria. 1.4 Research questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i.What are the factors responsible for poverty in Nigeria? ii.What is the impact of poverty alleviation programmes on the economic stability of Nigeria? iii.How effective is poverty alleviation programmes in improving the living standards of beneficiaries? iv.What are the challenges of poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria? 1.5 Research hypotheses The stated hypotheses have been formulated to further guide the study H0: Poverty alleviation programmes is not effective in improving the living standards of beneficiaries. Ha: Poverty alleviation programmes is effective in improving the living standards of beneficiaries.. 1.6 Significance of the study This study will be significance to policymakers as it will provide evidence-based findings on the effectiveness of existing poverty alleviation programmes. It will help identify successful strategies, as well as areas that need improvement, which can inform the design and implementation of more targeted, efficient, and sustainable policies to reduce poverty in the future. Also, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international donors involved in poverty alleviation will benefit from the findings, which can guide them in the selection and design of future interventions. The study will also help them evaluate the effectiveness of their contributions and ensure that their funding achieves the desired outcomes. In addition, findings of the study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future researchers. 1.7 Scope of the study The study focus on An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Poverty Alleviation Initiatives. Empirically, the study will identify factors responsible for poverty in Nigeria, assess the impact of poverty alleviation programmes on the economic stability of Nigeria, evaluate the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programmes in improving the living standards of beneficiaries and identify the challenges of poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria. Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents of Boripe lga, Osun State. 1.8 Limitation of the study Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her. Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process. Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study 1.9 Definition of terms Poverty Alleviation: The process or set of actions aimed at reducing poverty levels, improving living conditions, and enhancing the well-being of individuals or communities. Poverty alleviation focuses on providing the necessary resources, opportunities, and support systems to help individuals move out of poverty. Poverty Alleviation Programmes: Structured initiatives or interventions implemented by governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or other entities aimed at reducing poverty in specific populations. These programs typically include activities such as microfinance, employment creation, skills training, food assistance, and health services. Poverty: A condition characterized by the lack of basic necessities such as adequate food, clean water, shelter, and access to healthcare and education. Poverty is often measured by income levels, with individuals or households living below a specific income threshold being classified as poor.