Contemporary Community Development Strategies in Benue State: A Critical Perspective on Lion 6-6 Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society limited, Wuese, 1998- 2017

Abstract

Community development strategies are the hub of community development, yet they are characterized by critical challenges affecting their healthy growth and development. This study examines community development strategies in Benue State with emphasis on Lion 6-6 Multi-purpose Cooperative SocietyLimited, Wuese, 1998-2017. It traces the history of the Cooperative. It goes further to discuss the sources of funding and assesses the impact of the Cooperative on the people and society of the host community and beyond. The study contends that even though, the Cooperative under review created a positive impact, it still faced some daunting challenges, such as finance, dampening the spirit of self-help, poor leadership, and poor record-keeping, among others. The study concludes that for Lion 6-6 Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society to contribute maximally to community development, there must be a long-lasting solution to the aforementioned constraints. In this wise, the study recommends that Benue State Government and donor agencies should empower Lion 6-6 Cooperative; and the officials of the Cooperative should improve on record keeping, among others.