Evaluation of the concepts, implementation and impact of poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria

Oyetunde Oyesanmi, Obafemi Awolowo University
Friday Eboiyehi, Obafemi Awolowo University
Adeboye Adereti, Olabisi Onabanjo University

The study appraises and assesses the concepts, implementation and impact of poverty alleviation programs in Nigeria over the past ten years. The research adopted the interview and structured questionnaire method in two states of Nigeria. Discussions were held with representatives of government, stakeholders, and development partners. In total 154 individuals were interviewed. 92 (60.0%) of this number were male while 62 (40.0%) were females concentrated mostly in the rural areas. Findings revealed that although Government conceptualization of the programmes involves community leaders in the rural areas, the implementation was within the Government machinery, and the impact of various programmes has not contributed significantly to the well-being of the poor. The awareness of the programme is very high among the educated elite than the illiterate. Credit scheme was considered as the most effective poverty reduction programme in the country.