RURAL DEVELOPMENT INNOVATIONS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS IN AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

The study assessed the rural development innovations and socio-economic impacts in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The hypothesis of the study was stated in null form that rural development innovations have no significant socio-economic impacts in the rural areas of Akwa Ibom State. Survey design was adopted and questionnaire was used for data collection. Systematic random sampling technique was used while Multiple Regression Analysis was employed in testing the hypotheses. The result of hypothesis testing yielded a correlation coefficient (R-Square) value of 91% meaning that the availability of rural development innovations accounted for 91% improvement in the life of the rural inhabitant. Furthermore, the hypothesis testing shows that rural development innovations have significantly influence the socio-economic life of the rural inhabitants. Thus, the major economic impact is in the expansion of the rural economy, increase access to employment opportunities, increase in agricultural production, among others. Therefore, it was recommended that since over 70% of Nigerian population live in the rural areas and produce the greatest wealth of the nation, the rural areas should be accorded more recognition in terms of budgetary provisions and provision of social and economic amenities.