BOTTOM-UP APPROACH & EFFECTIVENESS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS IN BAYELSA STATE (2015-2023).

Abstract

The article on bottom-top approach and effectiveness of rural development projects in Bayelsa State (2015-2023) as a follow-up of the research on re-activating abandoned projects for sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2030) in Bayelsa State was carried out to assess how decisions made by the rural people has affected and enhanced development of the rural dwellers. The objective of this is to find out if the top-down or bottom-up approach to decision making, improves infrastructural development among the rural populace or not. The System theory and Home rule theory were employed to support the theoretical framework. Content analysis was adopted based on the arrays of literature that was at the disposal of the researchers. Findings revealed thus: (i) Gigantic projects initiated by politicians (top-down approach) are biased on usage, and does not in any way improve the life of rural people, such projects overtime are abandoned because of low turnover which are  suppose to support efforts for turn- around maintenance. (ii) Corrupt tendencies are ruled out when projects are community based (that is project  initiated by the people, down-up approach)  (iii) The people see such projects as their own pet projects, hence, give utmost care and protect the projects. (iv) Craftsmanship makes them protect the projects against vandals and stealing. From the above the research recommends thus: (i) To see the rural groupings as a fourth tier of government in terms of rural projects other than the local government administration system. (ii) Government should give more attention to decisions made by the rural people (bottom-up approach) in terms of establishing any projects. (iii) That even though decisions of instituting projects may come from the government (top-down approach) it should consider to incorporate and consult the rural people for their inputs. (iv)The rural people should be allowed some degree of autonomy, where the Home rule policy/law will be encouraged.