Department of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Folorunso, B.A., Department of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Olusi, J.O., Department of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
The paper analyzed the effects of poverty alleviation and employment programme of NEEDS on the key targeted groups in Osun State of Nigeria. The study employed structured questionnaire in eliciting information from members of the target groups through interview method. Adopting qualitative techniques of analysis, factors that constituted obstacles to the advancement of Osun state in the areas of employment generation and poverty reduction were identified. The study found that obstacle to poverty reduction and employment generation was the lack of adequate empowerment on the part of the members of target groups; members had little education and lack financial opportunities. Programmes' effects had been minimal since the level of poverty is still very high despite the acclaimed efforts of NEEDS to encourage entrepreneurship in the state. This was, however, due to poor policy implementation; empowerment materials are distributed using political factors rather than economic factors. Youths, rural women and the disabled are mostly affected because their empowerment levels were lower relative to men's. The paper therefore suggests proper implementation of NEEDS policy by empowering every members of the target groups irrespective of their political affiliation.