The concept of integrated rural development effectively combines multiple sectors and techniques, including healthcare service provision, agricultural expansion, education, and infrastructure improvement, alongside technical transfer, while considering local governments as counterparts to address the multidimensional causes of poverty.
The integrated rural development strategy combines the development of various areas of rural society, such as agriculture, education, health, nutrition, rural electrification, rural water supply, and cooperatives, simultaneously.
The strategy also aims at improving employment, access to production resources, access to social services, and the management and development of resources. The distinguishing feature of this strategy is that the various development sectors are considered together rather than in isolation, allowing for the understanding of their interrelationships.
The use of this strategy involves increased mobilization and motivation of rural people to actively participate in the decision-making process concerning their progress and in the development activities.
There should be established institutional relationships that will facilitate the development of the sectors. Rural development councils should be set up at the national, state, local government, and village levels to educate people, clarify ambiguities, and mobilize moral and financial support for rural development.
The past military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida adopted this administrative arrangement for rural development. It set up a Directorate of Foods, Roads, and Rural Infrastructures, which is responsible for facilitating food production, road construction, and the provision of other rural infrastructural facilities such as electricity and piped water supply to rural areas.
Many agencies and institutions employ the integrated strategy for rural development. Oil companies, such as Texaco and Mobil Petroleum, have engaged in integrated rural development, particularly agricultural development, for over two decades.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) carried out water supply projects in both urban and rural areas during the 1960s in Nigeria. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have provided funds for emergency educational and health improvement programs in rural and urban areas.
Universities have also embarked on integrated rural development on an experimental basis. Successful integrated rural development, therefore, requires a joint effort from many national and international organizations and agencies.
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Features Highlighting Different Types of Integrated Rural Development
i. Target-Oriented.
ii. Comprehensive and Multi-Sectoral.
iii. Decentralization.
iv. Participatory, Community-Centered, and/or Community-Based.
v. Multi-Sectoral Infrastructure Improvement.
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Advantages of Integrated Rural Development
i. enables multidisciplinary anti-poverty efforts in rural areas.
ii. provides solutions to regional problems, targeting impoverished groups.
iii. promotes the participation of local people, local administrative organizations, and civil society.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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