The Sustainability of Rural Communities in Nigeria Within the Country's Ageing and Shrinking Population

Abstract

The study examines the involvement and satisfaction of older persons in Nigerian rural communities as a means of achieving sustainable rural development. The focus is on the elderly population and their satisfaction with the existing infrastructure and resources. A survey was conducted with 683 household representatives in three villages, revealing that men constitute the majority of the elderly population, with monthly income ranging from N10,000 to N20,000. The mean satisfaction index (RSI) for the research region was 2.47, indicating that respondents' views on access to amenities were more unsatisfied than moderately satisfied. Villages near towns had greater access to facilities, but amenities like markets, financial facilities, and electricity were either completely absent or inadequate. The study suggests that the satisfaction of the older population is influenced by the state of rural infrastructure, such as community facilities and well-maintained roads. To enhance life expectancy, socioeconomic activities, and community sustainability, the study recommends improving infrastructure access through proper planning, investment in infrastructure, human resources, institutional and legal changes, technological breakthroughs, and behavioral modifications.