POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMMES AND EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN KUTA TOWN OF NIGER STATE

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the role of poverty alleviation programmes on employment generation in Kuta town of Niger state. Specifically, the study evaluated the impact of poverty alleviation programs on self-empowerment in Kuta town; determined the relationship between poverty alleviation programs and self-reliance in Kuta town. To achieve these objectives, the study adopted a descriptive survey design relying on primary source of data using questionnaire structured in Likert response-scale format. The Entrepreneurship development theory underpinned the study which suggests that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for poverty reduction and economic growth.The study drew 100 beneficiaries of poverty alleviation programmes implemented in the town, 100 community members, and 50 community social group leaders who are direct stakeholders of the community affairs to constitute the population of the study, while the sample size of 154 was determined by Taro Yamane Formula. The study employed descriptive analysis tools comprising percentages and frequencies. The hypotheses were tested using chi-square. From the analysis, it was revealed that poverty alleviation programmes were found to have a significant effect on employment generation in Kuta town, but implementation was poorly rated by most respondents. The programmes also showed a significant relationship with self-empowerment, but they did not effectively improve financial independence, sustainable income, or capacity for entrepreneurship. The study concluded that poverty alleviation programmes in their current state have not successfully addressed the challenges of unemployment and dependency in Kuta town. The study also recommended that Government should ensure that poverty alleviation programmes are well planned and implemented according to the real needs of the people. Key Words: Poverty Alleviation Programme; Employment Generation; Self-Reliance