Abstract

The development of communities and villages in Nigeria depends on the strategies and methods of development put in place by the leaders. Community development is part of the national development. The development strategies and actions of government at all levels have not really helped to enhance rural communities. Rural communities suffer in many things including the following: urban migration, lack of social amenities, poor social infrastructures, diseases, health care systems etc. These made the economic gaps that exist between rural and urban communities very large. The improvement of community development in Nigeria demands that, attention should be given to the rural areas for development. The purpose and aim of this paper is to ensure that rural development is achieved as part of national agenda for development. The data for this study are secondary data from the works of scholars and journal of government services etc. The study deals with the approaches, strategies and the challenges faced by the rural communities in Nigeria. The paper highlighted that, in keeping a sustainable rural community development in Nigeria, awareness of the citizenry must be created; empowerment programs must be made available, the increment in the level of participants by the rural dwellers in the development processes must be taken into account, Education of the members of the community by awarding scholarships must also be taken cognizance of and not just allowing the youths to participate, they should also be trained and employed thereafter. With this, a sustainable community development can be achieved.