CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Historically, African societies, and human societies in general, have sought to improve their lot through self-help efforts otherwise known as community development activities (Osinubi, 2011). As such community development constitutes a part of the overall development strategy. Even before the advent of the colonial era, people had at different times in history organized themselves into groups and had employed combined resources to provide working facilities and bring about improvement in their respective localities (Osinubi, 2011). This has been a common experience particularly at times of great need, such as during catastrophe situations or emergency. Neighbours, relatives and friends help each other in times of need. At other times, the whole community comes together to work on common needs or problems which they may face. For instance, they may build local roads and bridges, clear farmlands, or form a neighbourhood watch group to defend against intruders, or even construct some public utility buildings, such as town halls, market stalls, schools and churches (Akinsorotan and Olujide, 2007).
One of the enduring and flourishing heritages of traditional African societies is their involvement in community development efforts. It has been an indigenous mechanism and technique employed by the people to identify their felt needs, choose what they want and take cooperative action to satisfy their needs. Development is all about change, which is to bring about significant and lasting change for the betterment of the well being of people. Development results in the improvement of the quality of life of members of a society. There are key principles such as participation at all levels, a holistic view to development and incorporation of social, political, economic and environmental aspects. A holistic view to development refers to the development of all parts of the society comprising both the urban centres and the rural areas (Bachmann, 2007). In Nigeria, there is a necessity for the development of rural areas because the gap in economic and social development between urban and rural areas in Nigeria continues to widen leading to social crisis and dissatisfaction. Rural development is a strategy designed to improve the economic and social conditions of a specific group of people (the rural poor). It involves extending the benefits of the development to the poorest among those who seek a livelihood in the rural area.