Poverty Alleviation Strategies by Non-Profit Organisations: Benefactors’ Experience in the Riverine Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

In addition to governments and international organisations, Non-profit Organisations (especially those that are community-based) are involved in poverty alleviation since their direct contact with the menace acquaints them with the magnitude of the scourge. Certain Community-based Organisations (CBOs) in the riverine area of Ondo State, Nigeria engage in poverty alleviation strategies. The aim of this research was to investigate the activities of CBOs in Ilaje Local Government Area (a riverine and coastal area) of the state towards alleviating the poverty of residents. Survey design was employed in the research. 230 copies of a questionnaire containing open and close ended questions were administered to household-heads. Stratified random sampling was applied to select settlements for the study using existing political wards as strata while systematic sampling was further employed to select particular households for investigation. Among others, findings revealed a greater dependence on loan by residents as a measure to mitigate poverty and a corresponding high level of affiliation with cooperative societies in the communities. As implied from findings, recommendations include the need for CBOs to expand their scope for sourcing fund beyond membership contributions in order to achieve the aim of poverty alleviation.