LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(A CASE STUDY OF ETSAKO WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE)
ABSTRACT
This work was undertaken with a view to ascertaining the effort made so far in the area of rural development in Nigeria with a focus on Etsako West Local government Area of Edo state as a case study, which delved into the following areas. Evaluation of the performance of Etsako West local government   council with reference to their service to the rural dwellers and the relationship between the local government council and the people.  The method of the research work for these studies was through primary and secondary data. It was based on the use of relieved literature related to the study from textbooks, papers, interviews, questionnaire and direct observation. The finding made include the following; Lack of adequate finance, identification of priority projects within the local government, Inability to generate internal revenue for development. Negative attitude of the communities, Poor attitude of the workers it the local government.  From the findings made above a number of recommendations if implemented would remedy the situation of the rural communities. They include: Adequate funding of the local governments. Identification of the priority project within the local government. Transparency among various authorities in the local government council. Reduction in the number of political appointees in the local government council.
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background of the study ------------------------------
1.2 Statement of the problem------------------------------
1.3 Objectives of the Study --------------------------------
1.4 Research Questions-------------------------------------
1.5 Significance of the study ------------------------------
1.6 Scope of the Study ------------------------------------
1.7 Limitations of the Study -------------------------------
1.8 Definitions  of major terms----------------------------
CHAPTER TWO
Review of Relevant Literature ------------------------------
CHAPTER THREE
Research Methodology -------------------------------------
3.1 Population of the Study  -----------------------------
3.2 Determination of sample sine -----------------------
3.3 Method of Data Collection and Analysis -----------
3.4 Analysis of Data       
CHAPTER FOUR
Summary of Findings, Recommendations and  Conclusion.
4.1 Summary of findings ----------------------------------
4.2 Recommendations -------------------------------------
4.3 Conclusions---------------------------------------------
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The local government, were create so as to enable the central government (federal government) exercise effective.
Hence, among the effective role of the local government (Etsako West Local Government) is the provision of two way communication channel between the Itolas communities and the central government through the mobilization of human and material resources at the  grass root.
The implication of the above is that the concept of rural as well as national development on effective local government leaderships and administration for its success (Ngwu 1980)
It also, implies that effective local government is required for the planning, preparation and submission of the proposal for funding and initiation of any meaningful development project in Nigeria, this goes a long way to validate the assertion made by Agu (2001) that effective and efficient leadership and administration of the local government is required for the sustenance and utilization of development project in any nation. Hence the studies of Ezike (1998:45) and Hassan (1999:66) revealed that effective implication of development project are contingent on strong leadership of the local government area, particular at the planning stage.
In rural as well as national development, the understanding of the local power structure is capable of enhancing or impeding the implementation of development project. In addition local government (Etsako West) leadership is always required for the genuine involvement of the people at the grass root in any development project or activities of the government.
However, the local government (Etsako West) had actually in fulfilling their roles due to both financial as well as political problem. According to Williams (1998-50) most local government in Nigeria suffer from inadequate financial resources, this was recently known as zero accusation. Etsako West local government was vastly affected by this zero allocation epidemic and this affect a great number of developmental activities including the payment of its staff. Consequently, the available fund was not appropriately used due to the frustrating effort of the local government authority which was as a result of mismanagement.
The local government in some cases suffers from over-staffing to the extent that most of its resources are spent on the payment of staff salaries.
1.2    STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Local government is the third tier government established to bring the presence of government nearer to the people at the grass root. This is with the aim of providing some basic functions or needs of life such as, food, shelter, job opportunities, primary healthcare service, primary education, good roads, and market and so on to the community. But contrary to expectations, the local government has noticeable failed in their constitutional responsibilities. They are generally classified as been unproductive (President Oluegun Obasanjo in his address to the nation on the reasons behind the current local government reform: 2003). This current reform going on now is one of the major reforms previously done on the local government system in Nigeria, with their sole objective of reforming the local government system to be effective, efficient, responsive and objective.
The local government is faced with a number of problems. This study is equivocally poised to investigate this problem with a view to fashion out solution to them.
Some of the problems with a view to fashion out solutions to them. Some of the problems looks at in this study includes:
•    The problem of unproductive in the local government.
•    The problem of unemployment and low incomes for target group.
•    Lack of improved qualities in the basic needs of life food, shelter, job opportunities health service, education etc.
•    Inability of the local government council to ensures that the poorer section of the population has some share in the fruits of economic activities.
•    Lack of social services and economic growth.
1.3    OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The major aim of this research is to examine the effects of local government administration on rural development using Etsako West local government as a case study.
Hence, the objectives of the study are as follows:
1.    To identify the role of Etsako West local government in the development of its rural areas.
2.    To ascertain the effects of inefficient administration on the operations of Etsako West local government particularly as it relates to rural development.
3.    To suggest the strategies for effective local government administration in Etsako West local government area.
1.4    RESEARCH QUESTIONS
This study will be guided by the local research questions.
1.    What are the major roles of Etsako West local government in rural development?
2.    What is the obstacle, if any that militate against the implementation of rural development programmes in Etsako West local government.
3.    What are the strategies for effective local government administration in Etsako West local government?
1.5    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The findings of this research will help different categories of people to understand. This would be made possible because these problems have been earlier stated in the study to these problems.
The significance of the study, studies those problem affecting in Etsako West local government and their solutions for the relevant authorities to implement for effective and efficient local government administration.
1.6    SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research is a survey research conducted in in Etsako West local government area. The study borders on the role of local government on rural development as well as the problems hindering effective local government in Nigeria.
1.7    LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This research work is limited by many constraints. First is that the time given for the study was too short for proper and elaborate research. Also the cost of materials as well as transportation equally limited the scope of the research, consequently this limitation could not allow for wider consultation of some relevant literary materials for information in the study.
Finally, local of co-operation by some of the respondents was one of the conations to the study because more relevant information to the study were by some respondents.
1.8    DEFINITIONS OF MAJOR TERMS
a.    Rural Area: Nigeria classifies any area with a population of about 20,000 people and below as a rural area. They are those areas, which are in a state of depression, degradation and deprivation and immersed in poverty.
b.    Community: Is derived from the Latin word “Communis” Meaning “Common” Webster dictionary defined it as a small unit within a larger one having interests, work etc. common. Maclver sees community as an area of social living marked by same degree of social coherence.