The World Bank-SEEFOR Development Project and Poverty Reduction Strategies in the Niger Delta: The Bayelsa State Experience, 2013-2017

Abstract

This study takes a critical appraisal of World Bank-SEEFOR development projects and poverty reduction strategies in the Niger Delta but with a focus on Bayelsa state. The study made use of qualitative research design and uses content, discourse and thematic approaches in analyzing the data.  The Project Development Objective of SEEFOR is to create and enhance employment opportunities in the participating states of Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Rivers and creating access to socioeconomic services as well as improving the efficiency and transparency of public expenditure management system. The finding reveals that in order to reduce poverty and enhance shared prosperity, the Bank uses the Community Driven Development (CDD) approach in project implementation. The study further reveals that between 2014 to 2017 the state SEEFOR expended N3.6 billion, in creating 10,270 direct jobs through the construction of 210, Small public works such as roads, drainage system and refuse collections across the three senatorial districts. To enhance economic sustainability, the Bank trained youths on entrepreneurship skills through a compulsory monthly saving scheme deduction of N5,000 on employee’s salary to enable them start-up a business after the one-year project cycle.  The Bank also promoted skill development and acquisition by giving yearly grants of $150,000 each to five Craft Development Centers across the state. To enhance financial sustainability practices, the Bank promoted institutional reforms by training Heads of MDAs on fiscal discipline, budget preparation, implementation and evaluation in line with the SEEDS reforms. The study however, observed some challenges bedeviling the SEEFOR project implementation which includes: insecurity, substandard jobs and disregard for environmental sustainability practices in project implementation.