Community Development Associations and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

This study investigated the role of Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the initiation and execution of policies and programmes aimed at poverty alleviation at the grassroots' in selected communities in Akwa Ibom State. It relied mainly on the use of primary and secondary data collection. The study revealed that CDAs could act as catalyst of rural development and poverty alleviation if properly positioned. It was also discovered that the positive impact of CDAs is not felt equally across various communities in Akwa Ibom State. Thus, CDAs in urban Local Government Areas have much impact on poverty alleviation than their counterparts in rural LGAs. Again, when the intended beneficiaries are allowed to play active role in the administration of the poverty alleviation programmes, such programmes stand better chances of succeeding. The study recommended, as a way forward, proper repositioning of various rural development committees in the state, partnership of the CDAs with some NGOs and development agencies as well as popular election of CDAs leaders across the state.