Olori Christian N.^1,, Dimkpa Ezimma E.¹, Olori Gloria I.²

This is a descriptive survey research study that sets to examine the extent community education has contributed to the eradication of poverty among communities in Rivers State of Nigeria. Two research questions and one null hypothesis were developed to guide the study. The population of the study was 1,672 respondents made up of 270 married men, 517 married women and 885 youths in there selected local government areas of the state. A sample of 428 respondents was drawn from the population using a purposive sampling technique. A-15 item structured questionnaire weighted on a 4-point rating scale was the data collecting instrument, face validated by three validates from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Descriptive statistics of means and inferential statistics of analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that the extent community education has contributed to the eradication of poverty among communities in Rivers State was low. Inhibiting factors associated with the low level of community education were ignorance, corruption of most of the community leaders, lack of political will and low level of education. There was no significant difference in the mean responses of respondents on the extent community education has contributed to the eradication of poverty among communities in Rivers State. It was therefore recommended among others that sensitisation on empowerment of community members and establishment of more adult education programmes in the state be made.

contributions, community, community education, poverty