HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AS DRIVERS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN RIVERS SOUTH-WEST, RIVERS STATE

This study examined the influence of human resource development (HRD) programmes on community development in Rivers South-West Senatorial District, Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting a population of 1,560, from which a sample of 468 respondents was selected using proportionate random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire validated by three experts and tested for reliability using the test-retest method, yielding a coefficient r-value of 0.78. Research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while hypotheses were tested with t-tests at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that computer and rural agricultural management skill development programmes had a greater positive influence on female respondents compared to their male counterparts in promoting community development. Based on these findings, the study recommends increased awareness and publication of programme benefits, particularly targeting male participation. Additionally, training centres should be established closer to communities, and programme objectives should be aligned with the specific needs and challenges of beneficiaries to maximize their impact on community development within the senatorial district and the state at large.