CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1Background of the study
Rural development as a concept embraces a highly complex chain of process that involves both physical expansion and structural changes. As a concept rural development goes beyond the provision of portable water, electricity, healthcare centres, recreational activities etc. it goes higher to talk on the reorientation and development of social values (Ajegi, 2005, p.17). In the pursuit of rural development we aim at improving the productivity of rural poverty as well as meeting the basic needs of the people (Ajegi, 2005 p.36). Thus, concern for rural development is concern for the majority of the nation’s population. The other reason is our share abhorrence of the features that go with under development (Ajegi, 2005, p.36). In recent times most discussions on rural development have focused on the role of the local government in the development process. The belief is that given the resources available to this third tier of government, it is in a position to co-ordinate and ensures meaningful development at the grass root level. While this is a popular belief the situation on ground tends to be contrary, the government and rural dwellers therefore, need a means to communicate with each other for further development and this where programme ‘ Benue this week’’. Which is aired on Radio Benue comes in. the rural dwellers in katsina-Ala local government area are mostly farmers, fishermen, traders students and tailors so it is obvious that this local government has a long way to go because their income is low, therefore development is needed to improve their living conditions.