ABSTRACT
This research project titled:- THE ROLE OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT (A CASE STUDY OF ANAMBRA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT) is a case study type of research, and the instrument used in gathering date is the questionnaire method.
Every dick and harry harp on small-scale industries as the modus operandi too rural development hence the researcher became interested on the topic. The objective is to find out the relevance of small-scale industries in rural development.
Two hundred (200) were randomly sampled and administered with questionnaire, out of the population of two hundred and thirty-five thousand, nine hundred and fifty-seven (235,957) ninety four and half percent (189) of the questionnaires were returned. Data collected was presented and analysed using textual and tabular presentation and percentage.
Findings of the study include: creation of job opportunities, reduction in rural-urban drift provision of semi-processed raw materials, increase in the production of goods and services and broadening of government revenue base.
It is therefore, concluded that small-scale industries are very relevant in rural development and their establishment in the rural areas (taking into account the principles of localization of industries) has been recommended. Finally, the researcher recommends to turillan study, the establishment, financing and management problems of small-scale industries.
1.0 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Large-scale manufacturing has been the main thrust of Nigeria’s development programme over time. However 16 is being widely acknowledged that rural development should be the centre piece for effective short and long run development of any nation such as Niger. Both the federal and state governments on one hand and general public on the other hand attest to the fact through their efforts toward the development of the countryside of Nigeria.
In realization of this and in pursuance of its attainment the federal government created the directorate for Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (FRRI) to work in partnership with the rural communities toward the provision of Amenities such as rural roads, water boreholes and production of more foods. As well several states, which Anambra is one of thean, have adopted rural developmental programme which is charged with the responsibility of developing and coordinating rural development activities in the state.
