The Relevance of Population Census to Economic Development (A Case Study of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria)

Abstract

The research investigates the relevance of population Census to the economic development of the rural areas of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and is anchored on democratic-participatory theory. Simple random sampling technique was deployed to select a sample size of 348 respondents from a population of 528 rural dwellers in Nsit Ubium. The researcher structured “The relevance of population census on the economic development of rural areas in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area Questionnaire” (RPCEDORAINUQ) for data collection. The data gathered were analyzed using simple linear regression to specifically determine their relevance to the dependent variable. From the findings, it was revealed that, the availability of gainful employment and business opportunities positively contributes (in a low extent) to the reduction of rural-urban migration from rural areas in Nsit Ubium LGA. There is a positive and significant contribution of Census data/Statistics on the provision of basic social Amenities and enhancement of Human development index of rural areas.  In addition, there is a high degree of relevance/contribution of population growth check through census to the control of mortality rates in rural areas of Nsit Ubium. The study concludes that, indeed, with the passage of time and innovations, the heterogeneous and densely-populated nation like Nigeria is at a risk of population explosion without accurate data. An anomaly, since population census is and remains the major barometer in measuring and determining the country’s resource allocation, revenue estimation, formulation of economic policies, provision of social amenities, and determination of population density. From the results, the study recommends that government should initiate and adopt appropriate strategies to the conduct of periodic and regular population census to reduce rural-urban migration from rural areas. This will also help to advance the Human development index of rural areas in the country in general.

Key Words: Census, Population, Human Development, Rural Areas, Urban, Mortality.