CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background To The Study
        Indeed, the basic rational for the existence of government in every sovereign state is to protect the lives and properties of its citizenry as well as provide essential services that will better their living condition.
        in federal system of government, the maximization of the welfares of its citizenry at degree of decentralization of function from the local government, in order for the for the welfare of the people living in the rural areas to be effectively managed and efficient service delivery ensured, nations especially the newly independent one have embarked on reformation of their local government. thus, Nigeria is not exclusive.
        in 1976, Obasanjo’s administration reviewed local government nationally to enable it handle the affairs of its locality, generate revenues internally and receive allocation from both federal and state government which was given in 1979 constitutional reorganization local government in Nigeria eventually became an agent of development in new states (nations).
        Despite all these reforms local government in Nigeria suffered a huge set back as a result of mismanagement of funds, lack of autonomy accomplished by the frequent intervention of the state government into the affairs of local government which immersely contributed to the problems of local government in Nigeria.
1.1 Statement Of The Problems
        The aims of the local government was to make appropriate service delivery and development to the rural area but has noticeable failed in their constitutional responsibility. They are generally classified as been improductive in their functions.
        inadequate financial base has been frequently identified on the cause of the inability of local government in Nigeria to perform it’s duties.
        frequent intervention of state government into the affairs of local government coupled with lack of autonomy are among the factors that are causing malfunctioning of local government .
        state/local government jointly owned account in section 162(6) exempted local government from receiving its own portion of federal allocations directly.
lack of skilled manpower are rampant among local government staff, some staff in the local government were illiterate. all these problems stated above prompted the researcher into study.
1.2 Purpose Of The Study
The general purpose of the study is to ascertained development with reference to Dunukofia local government.
the specific purpose includes
1) To access the effort of local government in rural development in Dunukofia local government area.
2) To determine factors militating against local government in the development of rural areas.
3) To ascertain the impact of local government autonomy on rural development Dunukofia L.G.A.