Examining Public Perception of the Efficacy of Local Government Administration in Enhancing Community Development in Ihiala Local Government Area

Abstract

Community development (CD) through the implementation of primary education and primary healthcare policies by Nigerian local governments, especially Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, is imperative, but under-researched. Consequently, the study examined the people’s perception of the extent to which Ihiala LGA enhanced CD through the implementation of primary education and primary healthcare, and the challenges hindering Ihiala LGA from performing its CD roles. Survey design and efficiency services theory were applied. Out of an 87,796 population, 398 was derived through Taro Yamane's formula. After questionnaire retrieval, 133 became the data-producing sample. Findings showed that Ihiala local government administration has no significant effects on CD in terms of primary education, primary healthcare provision, and that there are significant challenges hindering effective performance of CD roles in Ihiala LGA. Addressing these problems demands improvements in institutional independence, inclusive participation, human resource development, and transparency and accountability to achieve meaningful and sustainable community development. Inter alia, the study suggested that Ihiala local government should adopt strict monitoring measures for local government projects and tighten financial controls to curb institutionalised corruption.