ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to appraise the impact of Micro Projects Programme of European Union (MPP6) in Abia State on the living standard of the people. The introduction on the activities of micro projects programme in the Nine States of the Niger Delta tagged MPP3 and MPP6 respectively were traced. Attempt was made to review related literatures which formed the theoretical framework. This study, being empirical, primary data was collected through questionnaire administered to two hundred and thirty one respondents from the various stakeholders of European Union. The respondents were classified into six groups according to the nature of their work; whether they were Managers, Project Officers, Traditional Rulers, Other Officers, Liaison Officers or Community Liaison Officers. The various issues raised in the study, which were derived from the research questions, were analyzed considering the perception of each group. Three research questions were asked and three hypotheses developed. The data collected were presented and analysed using simple percentage, and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)l. This study revealed that micro projects have significant impact on children/ women empowerment; there were significant relationship between micro projects and improved standard of living and there is significant relationship between micro projects and poverty reduction. Based on the foregoing, the following recommendations were made: The management of European Union and/ or other donor agencies should fashion out other measures on how to empower women and children who are most vulnerable in poverty conditions in Abia State; more development and sustainable efforts should be pursued in the provision of infrastructure in Abia State to improve on the living standard of the poor rural communities thereby reducing the menace of poverty and its attendant risks.