The Impact of Family Support Programme on Rural Women in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of Family Support Programme on Rural Women in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria and investigates the problems that affects the proper implementation of family support programme (FSP) objectives. A total sample of four wards out of 10 were selected for the study. Ninety six respondents were selected out of four wards to represents the entire Maru Local Government Area. In each ward, 24 respondents were selected, data collected from field survey was analysed using various statistical tools. The major conclusion drawn from this paper was: - The family support programme had achieved part of its goal in the study area. About 54 (56%) of the respondents reported that Family Support Programme has made people self reliant, while 32 (33%) reported that it helped in eradicating poverty. Only 10 (10%) revealed that the programme created political awareness among women in the area. Survey results have also shown that 50 (52%) of the respondents are given free education in different schools. While about 19 (20%) were provided scholarships. Similarly, 22 (23%) were helped in securing admission at various Institutions of Higher Learning. Opinion regarding health services provided by Family Support Programme have shown that most of the respondents benefited from drugs supplied by Family Support Programme (FSP) 48 (50%), while 34 (35%) benefited from health education. Only 14 (15%) of the respondents enjoyed Pre-Natal care. This paper recommended some strategies for improvement of Family Support Programme in general.