Achieving the Poverty Reduction Targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for Enhanced Economic Empowerment Prospects in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Nwaubani; Okechukwu O; Ugwuanyi; Benedict E.; Mezieobi; Daniel I; Eneogu; Njideka D.

Volume : III, Issue : X, October - 2014

Achieving the Poverty Reduction Targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for Enhanced Economic Empowerment Prospects in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Nwaubani, Okechukwu O, Ugwuanyi, Benedict E. , Mezieobi, Daniel I, Eneogu, Njideka D.

Abstract :

Poverty reduction is a core mandate of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), of which Nigeria is a signatory. However, despite its perceived viability as an economic empowerment strategy, poverty still persists in Nigeria. Against this backdrop, this study sought to determine the extent to which the MDGs targets on poverty reduction have enhanced poverty alleviation and economic empowerment prospects in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Four research questions and three hypotheses (tested at 0.05 level of significance) guided the study. Sample for the study consisted of 200 adult respondents drawn from thirteen (13) communities in Nsukka L.G.A. through purposive and stratified sampling techniques based on the 2006 National Population Census figures. Instrument for data collection consisted of thirty (30) item questionnaire developed by the researchers for the purpose of the study. The instrument was validated by experts and reliability co–efficient established. Data obtained were analyzed with mean and standard deviation for research questions and z–test statistic for the test of hypotheses. Findings among other things showed that although poverty persists in the area of study, the public still seem to be aware of the various strategies (in line with MDGs stipulation) put in place by government to enhance poverty alleviation and economic empowerment. Indeed, despite some perceived challenges, such as corruption, poor data base, multiple taxation, etc. respondents seem optimistic that poverty alleviation/reduction could still be achieved by the year 2020. Similarly, respondents did not differ significantly on the above views on account of gender and locationvariables. These findings were exhaustively discussed with far–reaching recommendations and policy implications for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment prospects in Nigeria. Conclusively, it was recognized that although attaining MDGs target on poverty reduction still faces challenges, it could still be achieved through concerted institutional efforts.