ABSTRACT

This study was designed to establish soclo-economic and cultural variables that influence effective local leadership role in rural development project implementation in Imo State. Other objectives include; determining the implementation level of rural development projects, assessing participation rate of male local leaders and the female local leaders, ascertaining the role of local leaders in rural development, identifying sources of funding rural development projects, and examining prevailing barriers to effective local leadership in rural development. Primary and secondary data were used in the study. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting a sample size of 210. Focus group discussion, questionnaire and direct observation were employed. Data were analyzed using mean scores from a 5 points Likert type rating scale. In addition, inferential statistics such as student t-test, and ordinary least square regression were used for data analysis and testing of hypotheses. Results indicated that 56% of total respondents were male, 44% female, 72.4% were adults while 72% of them were married. Again, 91% were Christian, 1% Muslim, and 8% believed in traditional religion. About 43% were farmers, while 57% engaged in other occupation. Similarly, majority, (94.29%) of the respondents was literate, and 88.1% of them reside in the rural areas. A majority (59.8% ) of all projects embarked upon 11Dm the year 2000 — 2009 were completed and sustained, 30.43% were on-going, while 9.7% were abandoned. Factors influencing role of local leaders in the implementation of projects were socio-economic, cultural and political variables which included; unity of purpose, adequate information, popular participation, even representation, democratic leadership, proper resource management, peaceful social environment, priority of needs, proper supervision of work, technical support and availability of resources. Regression results showed that other determinants for effective role of local leaders in rural development project implementation included such socio-economic factors as age, level of education and place of residence. Student's t- test result revealed that rate of participation of male and female Local Leaders and their roles in project implementation were both significant hence, no great significant difference in gender role and participation. Leadership type in existence was democratic in nature. Local leadership actually played very significant roles in rural development in the area. The major sources of funds for rural development included levies/donations, loans, grants, and revenue from economic projects. Problems confronting effective local leadership were identified to include; wrong selection process, leadership tussle, wrong planning, conflict ridden social environment, high poverty rate, external interference, unethical value system, gross embezzlement of fund etc. It was recommended that leadership training and education should cut across gender. Government should encourage the local leaders by providing them with incentive facilities as obtained in the urban aieas.