Assessment of Rural and Agricultural Development Projects in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

The research study was carried out to assess the present state of the Rural and Agricultural Development Project in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. The population of this study consisted of all the Rural farmers in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. Data for this study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire alongside interview techniques. Secondary data were collected using journals, internet sources, conference papers and text books. Due to the enormity of this population, a sample size of 160 respondents was selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data for this study were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables, percentages as well as inferential statistics such as Factor analysis and Kruskal Wallis (H) test. The result obtained revealed that there was no significant differences (P<0.05) among the five council wards in Okehi Local Government Area in terms of prioritized rural and agricultural development facilities needed by the people. The result showed that the available existing agricultural development facilities in the study area were agricultural extension office (5.35%), fertilizer distribution center (4.29%), poultry farms (4.2%), fish ponds (1.0%), veterinary clinic (0.35%) .The existing rural infrastructure include, pipe born water (3.6%), tertiary institutions (3.3%), bridges (3.0%), commercial banks (2.7%), bore holes/wells (2.6%) feeder road (2.5%), electricity supply (2.9%), council hall (2.1%), recreational facilities (1.9%). It was however discovered that even the few existing rural and agricultural infrastructures were either in poor state or dilapidated. And there were two major categories of problems affecting rural and agricultural development in the study area Viz: Socio-cultural cum economic factors (factor1) and politico ecological factors (factor2). It was recommended that Government should always conduct situational analysis of the rural areas so as to have a clear view of the basic needs of the people. Agricultural development projects such as veterinary clinics, agricultural extension offices, fertilizer distribution centres and poverty alleviation programs should be situated in rural areas by government and non-governmental organizations so as to raise the standard of living of the rural people. Rural infrastructural facilities such as feeder roads, bridges, coverts, bore holes/wells, pipe born water, commercial banks, recreational facilities, tertiary institutions, electricity supply etc., should be provided by our well to do individuals, the private sector as well as Government. Government should put in place monitoring and evaluation machinery to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of rural and agricultural development projects. Integrated Rural and Agricultural Development Approach (IRAD) should be adopted by the government in tackling the problems of rural and agricultural development.