Harnessing Human Resource Development for Rural Development in Nigeria
S. O. Onimole Phd Mni

Introduction
The paper is of the view that using Human Resource Development as a strategy for economic revival and sustainable self-reliance will require drastic organizational transformation in human resource policies and practices for integrated rural development. The study observed that in spite of governments earlier seemingly comprehensive efforts at improving the quality of life of the rural people, a number of flaws were identified. One of such flaws of the strategy is its being too agro-centered and neglecting non agricultural ventures/ entrepreneurship ventures, and training and development in productive and employable kills, tailoring, cloth weaving, trading blacksmithing etc. in the rural set up. Training (HRD) for better performance on nonagricultural jobs and increased productivity, there from had not been a matter of concern. Consequently, the marginalized condition of the rural poor tends to inhibit their training and development for rural projects. The paper also points out that other limiting factor against training and indeed human resource development in general is economic crisis. It suggests the desirability of “Participatory Rural Development” as positive remedy to cater for the material and non-material needs of the rural people.

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