An Appraisal of Church Economic Activities towards Rural Development in Benue North -West Senatorial District

Abstract

The Church, though a religious institution is seen to have extended its activities to other aspects of society including education, health, and economic activities. This paper has appraised Church economic activities in relation to their effects on rural development, with particular reference to the welfare of the rural people. The objectives of the work were: to assess the economic activities of the church in the rural areas and how such activities have impacted the lives of the rural people, and to examine the challenges faced by the church in carrying out economic activities. Applying Social Action theory, structured interviews, in-depth- interviews,s, and non-participant observation was used to collect data which was presented and analysed using tables, percentages, and descriptive interpretive analysis. Findings revealed that the Church has set up business ventures like savings and loan schemes, and the Rural Agricultural Training Centre among others, which improved the living standard of the rural people. However, these economic ventures suffer challenges like poor management, embezzlement, and inadequate capital. It was therefore concluded that the activities of the Church have impacted positively on the rural economy. Recommendations were made among other things that, well-meaning individuals in the various rural communities should partner with the Church to fund its economic ventures for maximum productivity.