APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF RURAL AREAS IN LOKOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE
Creators: name: Udoyen, Prince
name: Greenresearchng
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Local Government
subject: Local authority
subject: Appraisal
subject: Employee Performance Appraisal/history
subject: Employee Performance Appraisal/legislation &amp; jurisprudence
subject: Rural population
subject: Rural environment
subject: Rural Population
subject: Rural area
subject: Rural settlement

description: ABSTRACT

This study examines the role of Lokoja Local Government Council in the transformation of rural areas within Kogi State, Nigeria. Focusing on infrastructure development, agricultural productivity, and education improvement, the research explores the contributions, challenges, and impacts of the council's policies in rural development. A quantitative approach was employed using a survey method, with 60 respondents selected through purposive sampling. The study’s findings reveal that the council has made significant strides in improving infrastructure, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting education in rural communities. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, corruption, and limited technical capacity hinder the council's ability to fully realize its developmental potential. The study also highlights the positive impact of the council’s policies on agricultural productivity and education, though health-care services and living standards show moderate improvement. The findings suggest that addressing these challenges through increased funding, capacity-building programs, and a participatory approach to governance will be key to ensuring sustainable rural development. The study contributes to the understanding of local governance in Nigeria and provides recommendations for improving the effectiveness of local governments in driving rural transformation.
description: CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

This study adopted a quantitative research design, specifically the survey method, to appraise the role of the Lokoja Local Government Council in the transformation of rural areas. The survey method was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect numerical data directly from respondents and analyze patterns, relationships, and trends. This design facilitates the collection of primary data regarding the council's performance, challenges, and impact on rural communities. Structured questionnaires were used as the primary instrument to ensure consistency and objectivity in data collection.

3.2 Population of the Study

The population of this study comprises residents and officials of Lokoja Local Government Area, particularly those in rural communities within the council's jurisdiction. This includes community leaders, local government staff, and rural residents who are directly affected by the council’s policies and programs. The inclusion of local government officials allows for an in-depth understanding of the council's administrative processes and challenges, while input from residents provides insights into the impact of development initiatives on their quality of life.

According to the National Population Commission (NPC), the population of Lokoja Local Government Area is estimated to exceed 200,000, with a significant proportion residing in rural areas. However, due to time and resource constraints, the study focused on selected rural communities that represent the socio-economic dynamics of the local government area.

3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques

The study employed a purposive sampling technique to select a sample size of 60 respondents. Purposive sampling was deemed appropriate for this research because it allows the researcher to intentionally select individuals who have the knowledge, experience, or characteristics relevant to the study objectives. This approach ensures that the data collected is rich and directly addresses the research questions.

The sample included:

l 30 rural residents from selected communities, to provide perspectives on the impact of local government initiatives on their lives.

l 15 community leaders, to offer insights into the participation and engagement of communities in local governance processes.

l 15 local government officials, including administrative and technical staff, to provide an understanding of the council’s operations, challenges, and performance.

l The selection criteria for respondents were based on their residence in rural areas, involvement in community activities, or employment within the Lokoja Local Government Council. The sampling frame ensured that diverse socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives were represented in the study.

By using a purposive sampling technique, the study was able to gather detailed and context-specific data relevant to the research objectives, providing a robust basis for analyzing the role of the Lokoja Local Government Council in rural transformation.

3.4 Research Instrument

The primary instrument for data collection in this study was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to gather quantitative data from respondents on the role of the Lokoja Local Government Council in rural transformation. It consisted of both closed-ended and open-ended questions to ensure a balance between structured responses and opportunities for elaboration.

The questionnaire was divided into three sections:

l Section A: Demographic information of respondents, including age, gender, educational background, and occupation.

l Section B: Questions assessing the role and performance of the Lokoja Local Government Council in providing infrastructure, social services, and economic initiatives.

l Section C: Questions addressing the challenges faced by the council and the perceived impact of its policies and programs on rural development.

The questions were constructed using a 5-point Likert scale (ranging from "Strongly Agree" to "Strongly Disagree") to quantify respondents' perceptions and attitudes. Open-ended questions were included to allow respondents to provide additional comments or suggestions.

3.5 Validity and Reliability of the Instrument

Validity

To ensure the validity of the questionnaire, it was subjected to content validation by a panel of experts in local governance and rural development. These experts reviewed the instrument for clarity, relevance, and alignment with the research objectives. The feedback received was used to refine the questions, eliminate ambiguities, and ensure that the instrument effectively measured the intended constructs.

Reliability

The reliability of the questionnaire was tested through a pilot study conducted with 10 respondents from a rural community in Lokoja Local Government Area who were not part of the main study. The internal consistency of the instrument was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha. A reliability coefficient of 0.7 and above was considered acceptable, indicating that the instrument consistently measured the constructs across different items.

3.6 Methods of Data Collection

Data were collected using the self-administered questionnaire method. The researcher, along with trained research assistants, distributed the questionnaires to respondents in the selected rural communities and within the Lokoja Local Government Council.

l The data collection process involved the following steps:

l Seeking permission from community leaders and local government authorities to engage with their members.

l Conducting an initial briefing with respondents to explain the purpose of the study and provide instructions on completing the questionnaire.

l Distributing the questionnaires and allowing sufficient time for completion.

l Collecting completed questionnaires, ensuring all items were filled, and clarifying any ambiguities where necessary.

The entire data collection process was completed over a period of two weeks to allow for adequate coverage of the sampled population.

3.7 Methods of Data Analysis

The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Descriptive Statistics: Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of respondents and their responses to survey questions. These statistics provided an overview of the role and challenges of the Lokoja Local Government Council in rural transformation.

Inferential Statistics:

Chi-square tests were employed to test the null hypotheses and determine the significance of relationships between the council’s performance, challenges, and the impact on rural development.

Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, which facilitated accurate computation and interpretation of results.