ROLE OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

In the area of agriculture.

It has been certified as fact that the local government in a democratic setting is supposed to be known as the friend of those in the grass root. Which can otherwise be regarded as the nerve-centre of the socio-economic and political life of those in the local government area.

 As an administrator in the grass root, the system must be effectively utilized fulcrum of local development and growth. In the process, the local government authority ought to focus in fostering or promoting public enlightenment among the people, with the aims of enabling the local populace to actively participate in decision making that will affect the wellbeing of the masses.

It is rather appalling to note that today; the people are not consulted to actually know whether the project proposed for them is what the need at that particular time. The local government authority of any local government area; should realize that they are the vehicle the superior power are using to transmit all kinds of information to those in the rural dwellers. Hence the active involvement and unseasoned support for the promotion of educational facilities and other benefit to the people should be their main concern.

The local government must realize that all programs design to promote the well being of the populace should be design in a way that the people who are beneficiary of the project, are full involved in the decision to decide the kind of project actually needed by the people at that time. In the field of agriculture, the role of the local government administration is to assist the people by organizing workshops or seminars to enlighten the farmers and also assisting them with financial assistance to enable them boast their produce. This can be done through partnership with co-operative Societies whose field is in the agricultural. The local government support for this sector of the rural economy will enable it to continue to provide employment opportunities and income for the bulk of rural dwellers. Besides, it will also enable it to provide the inputs needed for growing industries at the local level.

What Is Co-operative Society?

The word Co-operative Society has been defined in so many ways. For instance, N. Akpan defined co-operative as a group of people that come together on equal basis to promote their economic interest.  Mr J. E. Oseromo, a one time Director of Co-operatives, Edo State, also defined Co-operative Society as a family of people who have come together on equal basis to promote their economic interest, and share equal risk. Why Mr. P. E. Akhigbe a one time lecturer in the Edo State Co-operative College define it as owner formed, owner managed and owner use. On his part, Mr. S. E. Ilegbinosun defines Co-operative society as business of the people, by the people and for the people.

3.1b.       In 1995 International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) definition stands accepted by all co- operators today. And the definition is:-

      A co-operative society is an autonomous association of persons who have voluntarily joined together to achieve a common economic and social objective through the formation of a jointly-owned and democratically controlled business organization. Which its Members are expected to make equitable contributions to the capital required and also to accept a fair share of the risks and benefits of the undertakings. Co-operative societies work on the principles of self-help and mutual assistance to provide services for their members in a prudent and effective manner.