WILBERFORCE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES (WJSS)
ISSN: 2504 – 9232
Volume 11, No. 1, March, 2026
Pages 157-168
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/6202.11.0121
LIVELIHOOD SECURITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN OGBIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAYELSA STATE
Grace Atije Tonye Scent1 and Chinedu Nelson Omere2
1Department of Sociology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
2Department of Sociology, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined livelihood security and rural development projects in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The study was anchored on the sustainable livelihood approach and community development theory. The study investigated measurable indicators of rural development, including road infrastructure, agriculture, water supply, electricity, education and healthcare, as well as the challenges affecting rural development and the factors influencing project success. The study adopted the descriptive design, while simple random and purposive sampling techniques were adopted in selecting respondents and communities respectively. The data for the study was gathered with questionnaire (304=75%), and was analysed with simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. The study found that rural development projects have not adequately enhanced the livelihood security of the rural residents because of the poor implementation, maintenance and the weak governance structure. The study discovered that prevailing issues, such as lack of good roads, unreliable power supply, unavailability of clean water, lack of credit facilities and quality healthcare services affect the livelihood security of rural dwellers. Therefore, the study recommends that planning, implementation, and monitoring of the rural development projects should be institutionalized with community participation being a part to increase ownership, relevance and sustainability.
Keywords: Community participation, livelihood security, Niger Delta, project sustainability, rural development project