Analysis of Impact of Rural Electrification on Agro-based and Non-agro based Enterprises in Riverside Rural Communities in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the impact of rural electrification project on agro-based and non-agro based enterprises in riverside rural communities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from 160 respondents for socio-economic assessment, 12 operators of multi-purpose grating mills and 26 operators of barbing salons. Net enterprise income, percentage change in income, difference in difference and paired t-test were used for the data analysis. The results of the research revealed that the total income and net enterprise income of operators of agro-based and non-agro based enterprises with electricity increased significantly after electricity intervention and also more than that of operators in riverside rural communities without electricity. Difference in difference and paired t-test were significant at 0.05 percent.  This implied that there was an impact of electricity on the income of operators of agro-based and non-agro based enterprises in the study area. It was recommended that government should intensify action in providing riverside rural communities with electricity as this is one of the veritable tools for rural transformation.