Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been a central framework for global development efforts aimed at improving the standard of living for people in rural areas. This research project explores the impact of the MDGs on the standard of living of rural dwellers, focusing on key indicators such as poverty reduction, access to education, healthcare services, clean water, and sanitation. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with rural residents to provide a comprehensive understanding of the changes brought about by the MDGs. Through the analysis of secondary data from various sources, including national surveys and reports, this research assesses the progress made towards achieving the MDGs in rural areas. It examines how interventions such as microfinance initiatives, agricultural development programs, and infrastructure projects have contributed to improving living conditions in rural communities. The study also investigates the challenges and limitations faced in the implementation of the MDGs in rural areas, including issues related to funding, governance, and sustainability. In addition to analyzing statistical data, the research incorporates the perspectives of rural dwellers through interviews and focus group discussions. By engaging directly with the community members, the study aims to capture their experiences, perceptions, and feedback regarding the impact of the MDGs on their lives. These qualitative insights provide valuable context to complement the quantitative findings, offering a more nuanced understanding of the changes observed in rural areas over the MDG period. The findings of this research project contribute to the ongoing discourse on the effectiveness of global development frameworks in improving the standard of living for rural populations. By examining the specific outcomes and challenges faced in the context of rural communities, this study offers insights that can inform future policy decisions and development initiatives. Ultimately, by evaluating the impact of the MDGs on rural dwellers, this research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the well-being and livelihoods of those living in rural areas, thereby advancing the broader agenda of sustainable development.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the study

In order to address the problem of poverty and promote sustainable development, the Unified Nations Millennium Declaration was adopted in September 2000 at the largest ever gathering of head of states committing countries both rich and poor to do all they can to eradicate poverty, promote human dignity and equality, achieve peace, democracy and environmental stability, the goals include those dedicated to eradicating poverty, achieving universal primary education, promote gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality, improving material health, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for development.

 

However, several surveys indicate that there are limitations of utilizing the MDG as a framework for delivering development, hence it becomes imperative to conduct an empirical investigation on the subject matter. This is owing to the controversy surrounding whether Nigeria can meet the MDG goals before 2015. According to MDG (2004) report “based on available information it is unlikely that the country will be able to meet most of the goals by 2015 especially the goals related to eradicating extreme poverty

And hunger, educing child and maternal mortality and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases”. It further stated that “for most of the other goals (i.e. apart from goals) up-to-date data exists which shows that if the current trend continues, it will be difficult for the country to achieve the MDG targets by 2015”. It is against this background that the research sees the subject matter as an issue worthy of empirical investigation.

 

• Statement of problem

The Millennium Development Goals provides a platform to engage the development process in Nigeria and indeed the world at large. But in spite but this veritable potential of (MDGs) in enhancing development, there are limitations to utilizing the Millennium Development Goals as a framework for delivering or measuring development. This is sequel to the situation in Nigeria which indicates that there are challenges in meeting the goals by 2015. this is contained in the 2004 report which was Nigeria’s first report on the (MGD’s), which states that “based on available information, it is unlikely that the country will be able to meet most of the goals by 2015, especially the goals relating to eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, reducing child and maternal mortality and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases”. As such doubt is expressed about the viability of millennium development goals in rural areas. Hence the need to study the subject matter. The impact of Millennium Development Goals on the standard of living of rural dwellers.

 

• Objectives of the study

The central objective of the study is to examine the impact of Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) on the standard of living of rural dwellers in Lere Local Government Area. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the goals of MDG and its effect on the lives of rural dwellers in Lere L.G.A
2. To examine the strategy used in achieving Millennium Development goals in Lere L.G.A

• To identify the problems militating against Millennium Development goals in Lere L.G.A

1. To proffer workable solutions to the identified problems of Millennium Development Goals in Lere L.G.A

 

 

 

1.4     Significance of the study

The study will be beneficial to all stakeholders of Millennium Development Goals, especially as they utilize the findings of this research in evaluating the performance of Millennium development Goals in rural areas. The study will also contribute to existing the existing knowledge on Millennium Development Goals. It is also worthy to note that the study will be a good reference material to the General Public as well as students who may wish to make further research on the subject matter as they can use this research as a springboard to carryout their own research work..

 

1.5     Research Questions:

1. What are the goals of MGD and how does it affect the lives of rural dwellers in lere L. G. A?
2. What are the strategies used in achieving Millennium Development Goals in Lere L.G.A?

iii.     What are the problems militating against the success of Millennium Development Goals in Lere L.G.A?

1. What are the solutions to the identified problems of Millennium Development Goals in Lere L.G.A?

 

 

 

1.6     Scope of the Study

The study covers an empirical examination of the impact of Millennium Development Goals on the standards of living of the rural dwellers. To this end, empirical data will be obtained from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The study equally examine the goals of MDG and how it affects the lives of rural dwellers as well as the strategy and problems militating against the success of MDG in Lere L. G.A. The study covers a time from 2004-2011.

 

1.7     Limitation of the Study

The study is limited to Lere Local Government Area Kaduna State for the fact that the study is limited to Lere Local Government it will be difficult to generalize the findings on other rural areas in Nigeria. For the fact that a survey method was used as the research design as well as questionnaire as the research instrument, it is not really certain if the same result would be achieved if other designs and instruments like export as well as interview schedule can yield the same results. Besides, another limitation is that the respondents could have either over-exaggerated or understated their responses while scoring the items in the questionnaire. Also the nonchalant attitude of some respondents could affect the validity of their responses to the questionnaire. These limitations should be taken cognizance of by other researchers conducting similar studies.

 

 

1.8     Definition of Terms

        MDG: This is an acronym for Millennium Development Goals.

MDG Strategies: Ways of achieving Millennium Development Goals.

Rural Areas: Countryside communities.

RBM: Acronym for roll back malaria imitative of MDG.