Comparative Study of Poverty Reduction Strategies Between Nigeria and China Thesis proposal by Rosemary I. Eneji
CONTENTS. Introduction Background of study Poverty Reduction Efforts Research Question Research Objectives Research Methodology Writing of full thesis report
Introduction Poverty is a global phenomenon, affecting countries at different levels and different times. Nigeria and china have been fighting poverty, but have seen the effect in different degrees and for different reasons. China has made remarkable progress in poverty reduction over the last 25 years. The official estimate of poverty in China for 2007 puts the number of poor at 14.79 million, or less than 2% of the rural population. China global HDI rankings has risen from 101st in 1991 to 81st in 2007. Life expectancy and education indices are even high; 0.792 and 0.837, respectively. The proportion of poor Chinese fell from 65 percent of the population in 1981 to 4 percent in 2007.
BACKGROUND OF STUDY cont. Since 1990, Nigeria has been classified as a poor nation UNDP (HDI)2000-142nd with HDI of only 0.40 among the poorest countries 70% no access to potable water, healthcare facilities and electricity 2006 HDI placed Nigeria in the 154th position out of 179 Life expectancy is 51years,literacy rate 56% Nigeria ranked 6th and 7th in Petroleum Export and Production, but ranked 194th in GNP per capita and is classified as the 25th poorest nation in the World. At independence in1960, the poverty level was 15% of its population. But currently, Nigeria is struggling to reduce poverty from about 70% of its population of 140 million. The above indicate the state of Nigeria s level of poverty and low human development, in spite of the country s richness in all kinds of mineral resources, Agriculture, water and oil and gas.
Poverty incidence in Nigeria: More severe in the North than South
Poverty Reduction Efforts The rapid growth in china had been attributed to China's successful poverty alleviation, classified into four phases since 1978. The rural reform of 1978-1985; reform of the house-hold responsibility system. The National Poverty Reduction and Development Programs of 1986-1993; the Government established agencies and funds for poverty reduction and launched a large-scale development campaign. The 8-7 Poverty Reduction Plan of 1994-2000,anti-poverty plan was elevated to a national strategy and the Government increased inputs into anti-poverty. The New Century Rural Poverty Alleviation Plan for 2001-2010. China seek to balance development gains between urban and rural areas and across different regions.
Poverty Reduction Efforts cont. Nigerian Government also has been introducing several forms of poverty reduction strategies, policies and plans which are grouped into 3 period: The Pre-SAP Era; the River Basin Development Authorities, the Agricultural Development Programmes, Operation Feed the Nation and the Rural Electrification Scheme. The SAP Era; Directorate of Food, roads and Rural Infrastructure, The National Directorate of Employment, Family Support Programme. The Democratic Era; National Poverty Eradication Programme, Youth Empowerment Scheme, Social Welfare Services Scheme. The question is: If so much efforts have been made towards reducing poverty in Nigeria, why is poverty on the increase? It was 15% of its population in1960, but it is now about 70% (NPEC,2005).
Map of world poverty by country, showing percentage of population living on less than 1 dollar per day (61-80% for Nigeria and only 6-20% for China). Source: Shaohua Chen and Martin Ravallion -http://econ.worldbank.org/external/default/main
Research Question Despite all these poverty alleviation policies, and programmes in Nigeria, the poverty situation aggravates and more people are still trapped in the poverty instead of escaping it. On the other hand, China has witnessed tremendous successes. To what extent have these programmes impacted on the poor or the target population in Nigeria and what lessons can be learnt from China? Recent studies indicate wide gap still exists between the objective of eradicating poverty and actual achievement. It seems that the efforts of various governments are ineffective and therefore not much has been done to actualize the benefits.
Research objectives Identify poverty reduction strategies, and policies in China and Nigeria Critically. Evaluate and determine the effectiveness of the strategies and their impact on the poor or target group. Assess their capability for reducing poverty. Identify reasons for the failure or success of various strategies in Nigeria and china. Access and select some Chinese poverty reduction strategies that fit Nigeria s poverty demand. Suggest and recommend appropriate poverty reduction strategies for Nigeria.
Research Methodology Study will adopt Capability approach Survey of the target population will be limited to selected: (i) Management and staff of the poverty reduction agencies in both countries. (ii) Members of review panels/committees on poverty reduction efforts in Nigeria. (iii) Beneficiaries of various poverty reduction programmes (past and present) in both countries.
Data Collection Data collection will be through two major sources primary and secondary sources and will be streamlined to meet the information requirements of this study. Data collection instruments will be questionnaires, observation and interviews.
Data analysis Responses will be analyzed using qualitative and quantitative measure to determine the effectiveness, capability, reasons for the failure or success of poverty programmes and recommend appropriate poverty reduction strategies for Nigeria. The analytical tool will be simple statistical summaries of the data, using the Stat view software.
Writing of full thesis report Description and discussion of results Summary and recommendations Conclusion Preparation of manuscripts for publication
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