CHAPTER THREE
3.0
RESEARCH DESIGN/ METHODOLOGY
3.1
RESEARCH DESIGN
In this chapter, the methods used in
analyzing the efficacy of poverty alleviation in dependent societies will be
discussed, using NAPEP in Ebonyi
State as a case study.
For easy understanding, this chapter will be divided into four sections viz,
sources of data collection, description of the population of study, method of
data collection (Research Instrument), and finally method of data analysis,
that is, the way the data is intended to be analyzed.
3.2
SOURCE OF DATA COLLECTION
In the course of this study, data
will be collected through both primary and secondary sources.
3.2.1
PRIMARY SOURCE OF DATA COLLECTION
According to Udeze (1996:19)
“Primary data includes all the pieces of information which the researcher
collects fro the source to enable him carry out a research study.” It is also
called “raw’ or “original data.” The data so collected from this source are
usually fresh, and not stale or out dated. This source of data collection will
therefore satisfy the needs of this study.
Different sources of primary data
used are:
(i) Oral
Interview: The researcher
applied the oral interview method of data collection where he met with some of
the respondents and asked them some necessary questions. The responses from
these respondents were instantly recorded. The researcher considered the oral
interview necessary because some of his respondents who did not quite
understand the objectives of the study avoided answering some of the questions
in the questionnaire.
The researcher also considered this
method appropriate and useful because it gave him the ample opportunity to
explain everything to his respondents as well as making the assessment of the
situation on the spot.
(ii) Questionnaire
Administered: A well structured questionnaire was designed for and
administered to a number of people in Ebonyi State.
The
questionnaire was personally administered to the respondents by the researcher.
It consist of printed questions in which the respondents were expected to fill
in their choice options.
In order to ensure correctness of
the result of this study, the researcher made use of both structured and
open-ended questions in the questionnaire. This is done to enable the
respondents to give a sincere responses(s) tandem with the questions asked.
SECONDARY SOURCE OF DATA COLLECTION
These involves data that have been
collected, processed and kept by others in the past. Secondary data are
collected from the following sources:
(a)
Internal records/documents
of government ministries
(b)
Publications
which include newspapers, magazines, handbooks, journals, and textbooks, etc.
3.3
THE POPULATION OF STUDY
Uzochukwu (1994:27) defined
population as “the aggregate or totality of the units in the universe of a
study.” It defines the limit within which the research study findings are
applicable. The target population of this research exercise is the entire
citizen of Ebonyi state.
According to Ebonyi State Local
Government Service Commission, there are thirty-four (34) Local Government
Councils in the three senatorial Zones of the state. The total population of
which is over 1,736,541 million peoples.
However, the respondents are
categorized into illiterate and literate citizens who have at least a minimum qualification
of elementary education. This is done in the belief that a reasonable Nigerian
will at least be able to read and write. Nevertheless, the total populations of
the study were 500 indigenes of Ebonyi
State.
3.4
SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
The researcher made use of the
CLUSTER OR AREA SAMPLING TECHNIQUES which involves selecting members of a
sample in groups rather than individually. The members of the target population
are here, grouped on the basis of geographical clusters, occupational clusters,
religious clusters etc. A random sampling method is usually used to select the
sample from the identified clusters. Obasi N. Isaac (1999:140). This sampling
techniques is used considering the number of the population involved.
3.5
DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE SIZE
Odoh (1992:46) maintained that the
maxim is “the lager the sample size, the better the characteristics are bound
to be adequately represented, and the more authentic the findings to be
discovered and internationally accepted. Statistical formula however exists for
determining appropriate sample sizes.
According to Churchill 91979:302), a
typical formula requires knowledge of the level of significance and the amount
of variation of the sample mean and estimate of population standard deviation.
Hence, using Yaro Yameni’s formular
n = 
Where
n = sample
size
N = Total
population
1 = Constant,
and
(e) = Limit
of error tolerance (using assumed to be 10% or 0.1)
Therefore
n = 
n = 
n = 
n = 83
3.6
METHOD OF DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
The methods used in the presentation
and analysis of this research work are tables and simple percentages. To make
issues clearer, the researcher may use pie charts where necessary.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
In this chapter, efforts will be
directed towards the presentation and analysis of data which were collected
from our field survey. In the course of this presentation and analysis, tables
and simple percentages will be used. Pie-charts may also be used where
necessary so as to guarantee the simplicity, clarity and understandability of
our analysis.
AS AFonja (1975=35) rightly
observed, tables are very useful in conveying a quick impression of any
clustering, variations and possible trends in the values of and possible trends
in the values of variables. And relationships among the variable and various
other significant features which may lie hidden in the unsummarised data are
also more readily appreciated through the tables:
A
total number of five hundred (500) persons were chose across the state and
studied. This is in relation to the cluster or Area sampling technique adopted
by the researcher. This method involves selecting members of a sample in groups
rather than individually. A random sampling method was also used to select the
sampling from the identified clusters. Obasi N. I (1999: 140).
However, because of time and
financial constraints, the researcher selected a total number of eighty-three
(83) respondents as his sample size, using the Yaro Yamini (1964:280), to
determine a sample size from a population, the following formula is used this;
N = __N__
1 + (Ne2)
Where
n = sample size
N = Total population size
1 = Constant, and
(e) = Limit of error tolerance.
This is based on the notion, that
the large the population size, the smaller the sample size. Conversely, the
smaller the population the larger the sample.
Based on this sample size, a total
number of eighty three (83) questionnaires administered, only seventy-two (72)
copies were returned while eleven respondents failed to return theirs. This can
be mathematically represented in simple percentages as shown below:
a.
Numbers of returned questionnaires
=72 x 100
____ _____
83 1
= 7,200
_______ = 87%
83
===
b.
Number of un-returned question
naives = 11
x 100
__
___
83
1
= 1100
______ = 73%
it
therefore follows that, the number of returned questionnaire is seventy-two
(72) forming 87% or 312o , while unreturned questionnaire is eleven
(11) forming 13% or 480. The outcome of this development is that,
the distribution, completion and return of the questionnaires were
representative enough to guarantee a quality result. Because, according to
Chukwu Emeka, E.E.O. (2002:101), “the larger the population size, the smaller
the sample size and vice-versa”.
Presentation and analysis of
personal data table 1:
sex distribution:
|
option
|
title
|
number of respondents
|
percentage
|
|
A
|
Male
|
57
|
79%
|
|
B
|
Female
|
15
|
21%
|
|
|
Total
|
72
|
100%
|
The table above shows that
majority of the respondents are Male while the Female gender is in the
minority. This is because it is widely believed in Ebonyi State
that, man is the bread-winner of his family. However, cases exist where the
reverse became the case when the man was incapacitated or dead. This is why the
Female gender is included, albeit in the minority.
Table 2:
distribution on age.
|
Option
|
title
|
No of respondents
|
percentage
|
|
a
|
20- 40yrs.
|
60
|
83%
|
|
b
|
41- 60yrs.
|
12
|
17%
|
|
|
total
|
72
|
100%
|
This table reveals the age bracket to which the
questionnaire was administered. Majority of the respondent’s who were between
the ages of 20-40 years forms 83% of the total population of our study.
This is because, it was believed that those worst hit by
poverty is persons below forty (40) years.
However, it can be adduced that people within this age
limit (20-40yeasr), are adversely affected by poverty in Ebonyi state.
Table 3:
Distribution on marital
status:
|
option
|
title
|
no. of respondents
|
percentage
|
|
a
|
Single
|
17
|
24%
|
|
b
|
|
55
|
76%
|
|
|
total
|
72
|
100%
|
It was assumed that the married and un-married alike can
be under the grip of poverty. Ebonyians are known for early marriages, that is
why, the number of those married is larger, forming 76% of the population.
The married are also worse
off in the flare of poverty.
Table 4:
Distribution on occupation
|
options
|
title
|
no. of respondents
|
percentage
|
|
a
|
cicil/puldic ser
vants
|
8
|
12%
|
|
b
|
farmers
|
50
|
69%
|
|
c
|
studen
|
14
|
19%
|
|
|
total
|
72`
|
100%
|
This table shows that the respondents are selected form
three disciplines, which covers the whole of Ebonyi State.
Majority of the citizens are farmers, hence this group represents the State
Labour Force who are employable, but are not employed and therefore, depend on
farming as a means of livelihood.
Table 5:
Distribution on education
qualification
|
oprions
|
title
|
no. of respondents
|
percentage
|
|
a
|
illiterate
|
36
|
50%
|
|
b
|
wace
|
18
|
25%
|
|
c
|
degrees
|
18
|
25%
|
|
|
totl
|
72
|
100%
|
The table shows
that, respondents who are illiterate forms 50% of the total population. This is
because the people within the lower rage are poorer than those above. The
inclusion of Degree holders is because, this group are usually the people
involved in the implementation of poverty alleviation programmers.
It is hoped that, we will derive a lot from their wealth
of experience.
Table 6:
Distribution on religious
affiliation.
|
options
|
title
|
no. of respondents
|
percentage
|
|
a
|
christianity
|
50
|
69%
|
|
b
|
islam
|
2
|
03%
|
|
c
|
african traditional
religion.
|
20
|
28%
|
|
|
total
|
72
|
100%
|
This table shows that the Christian religion forms 69% of
the population of student. Hence Ebonyians are mainly Christians.
Table 7:
Distribution on senatorial zones.
|
Options
|
Title (senatorial zones)
|
No of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
A
|
Ebonyi north
|
27
|
38%
|
|
B
|
Ebonyi south
|
23
|
32%
|
|
C
|
Ebonyi central
|
22
|
30%
|
|
|
Total
|
72
|
100%
|
In Ebonyi
State, we have
thirty-four (34) Local Governments. The number of Local governments studied are
however selected from each of the three senatorial zones. A total number of six
(6) local governments are selected and studied, two from each senatorial zone.
This is done so as to represent each of the zones. It is hoped that this will
ensure a valid result.
This is based on cluster (area) sampling technique, which
according to Chukeuemeka, (2002:110). In his work ‘Research methods and thesis
writing,’ “is more prevalently used in densely populated agricultural areas.
The researcher who uses this method has to go a few steps – firstly, the
researcher zones the area. After that, the units from the zones have to be
selected randomly from each zone. Thirdly, individual’s elements have to be
sampled and selected.”
Table 8:
Demographic analysis of data.
question1: Area you aware of the poverty alleviation programme
in Ebonyi State?
|
options
|
Title
|
no of Respondents
|
percentage
|
|
A
|
Yes
|
65
|
90%
|
|
B
|
No
|
7
|
10%
|
|
|
Total
|
72
|
100%
|
From the above table, 65 respondents representing 90% of
the population agreed that they are aware of the poverty alleviation programme
in Ebonyi State, while 7 respondents representing 10% denied being aware of the
programme in Ebonyi State. This reveals that majority of the population of
Study are aware of the poverty Alleviation programme in Ebonyi State.
QUESTION 2: what type of poverty Alleviation programme is in
progress in your State?
ANSWER: Out
of the 72 respondents I administered the questions and a handful of person
selected and interviewed orally, majority of them representing 82% identified
National poverty Eradication programme (NAPEP) as the type of poverty
alleviation programme in progress in Ebonyi State as at the time of this
research which is by June 2008.
Table 9:
Question 3: Do the Ebonyians give their support at the inception
of the poverty alleviation programme?
|
options
|
title
|
No of respondents
|
percentage
|
|
A
|
Yes
|
60
|
83%
|
|
B
|
No
|
12
|
17%
|
|
|
Total
|
72
|
100%
|
From this table, it can be seen that 60 respondents,
representing 83% of our population of study are of the view that Ebonyi people
accepted and pledged their un-alloyed support to NAPEP at its inception.
Table 10:
question 4: Have you benefited from the poverty Alleviation
programme in your State?
|
Options
|
Title
|
No of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
A
|
Yes
|
25
|
35%
|
|
B
|
No
|
47
|
65%
|
|
|
Total
|
72
|
100%
|
Our table above shows that, only 25 respondents
representing 35% agreed that they have benefited from the National poverty
Eradication programme (NAPEP) while 47 respondents representing 65% denied
having benefited from the programme.
This reveals that the policy which was meant to benefit
all and sundry in Ebonyi
State only benefited a
couple of persons, leaving the majority of the population to waste in abject
poverty.
question 5: If you have benefited from the programme, State the
name of the benefit you derived from it.
ANSWER: Out
of 72 respondents who received my questionnaire, only 25 respondents admitted
having benefited from the National poverty Eradication programme (NAPEP). From
the people I orally interviewed, only one out of ten interviewees accepted that
he benefited from the programme. Here-under is the name and nature of the
benefits derived from the programme.
(a) Five (5) respondents reported that they were
employed to perform minor jobs in government ministries and departments. They
said they were paid a monthly salary of three thousand, five hundred naira (N 3,500) per month.
This exercise according to this people lasted for only
twelve (12) mouths and was abandoned.
(b) Furthermore, five (5)
respondents said they received “KEKE NAPEP”- a three – wheeled commercial
motor-bike, on hire purchase basis. Three (3) persons out of this group however
stated that, the “KEKE – NAPEP” were taken away from them by the government
officials who own them; alleging that their weekly returns (installments) were
poor and irregular.
(c) Three respondent said
they were given credit (Loans) to establish personal business.
(d) Ten respondents said they
received artisan training and skill acquisition after which they were promised
“employment that never came”
(e) While the remaining three
respondents benefited by receiving wheel barrows, cutlasses, electric irons and
gas cookers.
able 11:
Question 6: Do you have any relationship with the implementation
stake holders in your state?
|
options
|
title
|
no of respondents0
|
perCENTAGE
|
|
A
|
YES
|
25
|
35%
|
|
B
|
NO
|
47
|
65%
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
72
|
100%
|
As can be seen from this table, 35% of
the population accepted having relationship and/ or being related to the
implementation stakeholders in Ebonyi
State. However, 65% do
not have any relationship with the implementation stakeholders.
It
can therefore be adduced from the table that, only people who are related to
the implementation stakeholders and resources persons, representing 35% of the
population benefits from NAPEP in Ebonyi state. It can also be adduced that the
implementation of the programme in Ebonyi state is characterised by
favouritism, nepotism, partiality, party line-up and I.M. syndrome.
TABLE 12:
QUESTION 7: Has the programme reduced poverty in Ebonyi State,
b providing job opportunity to the Ebonyians?
|
options
|
title
|
no of respondents0
|
perCENTAGE
|
|
A
|
YES
|
17
|
24%
|
|
B
|
NO
|
55
|
76%
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
72
|
100%
|
From this table above, it shoes that
only 17 respondents representing 24% of our population accepted that the programme
have reduced the rate o poverty in Ebonyi State in terms of provision of job
opportunities, while 55 respondents representing 76% showed that the programme
have not reduced the rate of poverty and unemployment in Ebonyi State.
This reveals that greater number of
Ebonyians are still under abject poverty, as majority of the respondents are
still unemployed.
TABLE 13:
QUESTION 8: Did the programme provide social amenities to the
Ebonyians?
|
options
|
title
|
no of respondents0
|
perCENTAGE
|
|
A
|
YES
|
07
|
10%
|
|
B
|
NO
|
65
|
90%
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
72
|
100%
|
From the above table, 7 respondents
representing 10% of our population accepted that the programme provided social
amenities to the Ebonyians, while 65 respondents representing 90% of the
population opined that the programme have not provided social amenities in Ebonyi State.
This means that the programme have
not achieved some of the objectives for which it was enunciated.
TABLE 14:
QUESTION 9: Does the programme really stand for the interest of
the poor in Ebonyi
State?
|
options
|
title
|
no of respondents0
|
perCENTAGE
|
|
A
|
YES
|
02
|
03%
|
|
B
|
NO
|
70
|
97%
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
72
|
100%
|
From the table above, it can be seen
that only 2 respondents representing 03% of our population accepted that the
programme stands for the poor masses of Ebonyi state, while 70 respondents
representing 97% of the population opined that the programme does not represent
the interest of the poor but, that of the ruling class in Ebonyi state, with
the following reasons in question 10 below.
Question
10: What do you think is/ are the factors responsible for your answer in
question 9 above?
Answer: Many factors are suggested
as being responsible for the assertion that (NAPEP), in Ebonyi State
is for the interest of the ruling class.
Some of such factors/ reasons
suggested by the respondents include the following among others;
(a)
Politicization of
policies and programmes
(b)
Un-patriotism
(c)
Hypocrisy and
insincerity of government functionaries
(d)
Greed,
selfishness and wickedness
(e)
Embezzlement and
diversion of fund.
(f)
Indiscipline and
corruption, and
(g)
Over-bureaucratization
of policies and programmes, etc.
Question
II: What do you think is/ are the factors militating against the proper
implementation of the programme (NAPEP), in Ebonyi State?
Answer: out of the 72 respondents I
administered the questionnaire and a handful of persons selected and
interviewed orally, majority of them representing 92%, listed the following as
the factors militating against the proper implementation of NAPEP programme in Ebonyi State.
Such
factors include:
(a)
Poor orientation
or enlightenment campaign on the importance of the programme on the masses.
(b)
Hypocrisy ad lack
of commitment to implement policy goals.
(c)
Politicization of
the government policies and programmes.
(d)
Nepotism,
favouritism and partiality in the implementation of the policies,
(e)
Absence of
effective communication
(f)
Institutionalized
corruption
(g)
Lack of impact
assessment and project monitoring team
(h)
Relative lack of
clear objective/ programmes with ambiguous goals.
The remaining 8% gave other reasons
which include:
(a)
Strick
application of the principles of the ideal bureaucracy during the
implementation of NEPEP in the state.
(b)
Lack of induction
training for staffs who are to implement the programme.
(c)
Poor feasibility
studies on the implementation strategies of the implementers.
(d)
Selfishness and
un-patriotism on the part of the programme implementers.
Question 12: What do you suggest/ recommend must be done to ensure
the success of the programme in Ebonyi
State?
Answer: All the respondents to my
questionnaire and those interviewed are harmonious in their suggestions that
the following recommendation should be considered and adopted by government in
a bid to ensure successful implementation of the programme in Ebonyi State.
(1)
Government should
ensure the involvement of the people or communities in the execution of the
programme concerning them.
(2)
Government should
embark on an effective co-ordination and supervision of programmes to ensure
compliance.
(3)
Government should
embark on periodic review or evaluation of programmes in order to determine the
progress or otherwise of a given policy or programme.
(4)
Target
communities or beneficiaries should always pledge their solidarity and
un-alloyed support to programmes.
(5)
Government should
embark on an orientation campaign to fight against indiscipline and corruption
in our polity
(6)
Government should
introduce a more server and stiffer disciplinary measure(s) to deal with
miscreants.
Since these recommendations were
suggested by rational, meaningful and healthy Ebonyians, we shall consider most
of them in our recommendation in the next chapter.