Impact of community education on socio-economic transformation of rural communities in rivers state

This study examines community education for socio-economic transformation among rural communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive and exploratory research designs. Six research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The population of the study consisted of 890 members of rural communities that participated in community education programmes. 700 respondents were selected as sample for the study using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire titled “Community Education for Socio-economic transformation Questionnaire (QCESET).” The reliability value of the instrument was 0.76. Data obtained were analyzed using mean statistic and percentages. Findings indicate that food increases in food production. There is no significant improvement in the areas of employment, health, capital expenditure, literacy, self-discipline and respect for others rights and dignity. Except food production, findings indicate that community education did not have positive impact on socio-economic development in Rivers State. The study concluded that to address hunger, there is need to look beyond standardized classroom learning to embrace diverse learning opportunities that exist outside the classroom. It recommended that community education programmes be overhauled to reflect the problems/challenges encountered in rural communities. It also recommended that resources of the common people be controlled by them. In addition, it recommended decentralization for policy effectiveness and certificate to be awarded to completers of literacy programmes.