WILBERFORCE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES (WJSS)
ISSN: 2504 – 9232
Volume 5, No. 1, March 2020
Pages 1-23
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/0202.50.0110
RAILWAY TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND POVERTY REDUCTION: PERSPECTIVES FROM BAYELSA YOUTHS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS USING SOCIAL MARKETING TECHNIQUES
EBIKINEI STANLEY EGURUZE
Abstract
This paper examined how railway transport infrastructural development can be a critical poverty alleviation tool with respect to Bayelsa State. Based on two case studies, this paper isolated data pertinent to initiatives towards construction of railway infrastructural development and poverty elimination. Using the descriptive approach, the research analysed the roles and impact that railway transportation facilities play in poverty reduction. The findings revealed four critical insights: (i) there is a serious policy lapse/oversight in Bayelsa, resulting in zero-railway infrastructure in the State; (ii) Bayelsa’s zero-railway infrastructure suggests apparent self- imposed social deprivation and economic isolation; (iii) Railway transport infrastructure can generate additional motivating and knock-on effects on economic development opportunities, that can stimulate further growth with respect to job creation ; and (iv) directly and/or indirectly, reduce cumulative poverty (extreme poverty) and improve the welfare of inhabitants in the state. The paper finally summated that the development of railway infrastructure in the state would contribute robustly towards poverty alleviation through improved economic growth.
Keywords: Bayelsa, Railway Transport, Poverty Alleviation, Community Organisations, Social marketing