LOCAL STONE QUARRYING AND YOUTH SOCIO-ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF OKIGWE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Nature-given resources such as local stone quarries have become alternative means of livelihood among rural communities in Nigeria, particularly in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo. State in particular. This paper therefore, examined local stone quarrying and the socio-economic empowerment of youths in rural communities in Okigwe local government area of Imo State, Nigeria. The study was guided by five research objectives, along with corresponding research questions and hypotheses. The population of the study was 193. The instruments for data collection included questionnaire and in-depth interview. The theoretical framework adopted for the study was the Environmental Factor Theory. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS), and Spearman's rank-order correlation was employed for hypotheses testing. A Cross section design was adopted. The findings revealed that local stone quarrying significantly empowered the youths both socially and economically. These benefits were observed in areas such as income generation and enhanced social relevance when compared to youths in other occupations. It also enabled them to embark on self-help projects such as building their houses and saving money to start businesses. Moreover, it discouraged their involvement in deviant behaviours and contributed to their psychological stable in their rural communities. It was recommended that the government should encourage them by donating periodically excavating tools such as digger, shovels among others.