Impacts of Christian Religion on the Economic Development of Rural Community: Case Study of Ikeji-Arakeji Community, Osun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Community development is “the processes by which people’s efforts are united with those of government authorities to improve the ‘economic, social, political and cultural conditions of communities so to integrate those communities into the life of the nation hence, enable them contribute meaningfully to the national progress or rural community. The study sought to investigate impacts of Christian religion on the economic development of rural community. Two objectives were used in the study. Two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study made used of survey research design. Population for the study were residents of Ikeji-Arakeji Community, Osun State. Sample size for the study were 400 residents of Ikeji-Arakeji Community. Primary source of data collection was used to obtain information from the study. Results in the study revealed that there is a significant influence of Christian religion on economic development [F (1, 398) = 8.701; p<0.05]; Christian religion has significant effect on economic development of Ikeji-Arakeji community Osun state. [f (2, 397) = 3.715; p<0.05]. It was concluded that Christian organizations have contributed greatly to achieving sustainable development, promoting development and encouraging progress, which helped in reducing poverty in rural communities. It was recommended that Christian organization should not only be effective in economic development of rural community rather contribute towards the livelihood of its residents. Community should encourage churches who are ready to aid economic development by giving them moral support.