Problems And Prospects Of Community Banks In The Rural Development
(A Case Study Of Ogui Community Bank, Enugu South Lga)
Community banks play a crucial role in fostering rural development by providing financial services tailored to local needs, yet they face significant challenges and opportunities. The problems confronting community banks in rural development contexts include limited access to capital, regulatory constraints, and competition from larger financial institutions. Despite these obstacles, community banks hold promising prospects in empowering rural communities through targeted lending, fostering local entrepreneurship, and enhancing financial inclusion. By leveraging their deep understanding of local dynamics and fostering strong relationships with community members, these banks can catalyze economic growth, facilitate access to credit for small businesses and farmers, and promote sustainable development initiatives. Embracing technology and innovative financial products tailored to rural contexts, along with forging strategic partnerships with government agencies and nonprofit organizations, are key strategies for community banks to overcome challenges and realize their potential as drivers of rural development.
The community banking scheme has been in operation since December 1990, and has to a large extent achieved its objectives as a vehicle for poverty alleviation at the grassroots’ level. With about 1000 unit community banks and hundreds of thousands of customers, the banking habit has reasonably increased in the rural areas.
The poor farmers, cattle rears, fisher men and artisans who might not have collateral but are hardworking could get loans from their community banks for productive activities thereby boasting the gross domestic products of the country. Since government encouraged the communities to invest in community banks, the scheme should be supported to succeed. It is cheaper way of sustainable development of the rural areas in the short, medium and long term.
However, in examining the problems and prospects of the community bank in the rural development of Nigeria, some prepared Questionnaire were distributed to Ogui Urban Community Bank of Nigeria Ltd. staff in Enugu. Information received from the responses were supplemented with oral interview, personal observation and the review of some related books and journals.
The responses from the returned questionnaire were analyzed and the result of the analysis were later converted into table percentages.
Recommendation were made based on information obtained and some literature reviewed.
Finally, conclusion was drawn on the topic studied.
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Problem Identification And Purpose Of Study
1.2 Rationale Of The Study
1.3 Significance Of The Study
1.4 Background Of The Study
1.5 Definition Of Terms
Chapter Two
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Theoretical Review
2.2 Empirical Review
Chapter Three
3.0 Research Design
3.1 Hypothesis Of The Study
3.2 Research Tools And Procedure
3.3 Source Of Data
3.4 Limitation Of The Study
Chapter Four
4.0 Data Presentation And Analysis
4.1 Presentation Of The Data
4.2 Analysis Of Data
4.3 Discussion Of The Result
Chapter Five
5.0 Summary, Conclusion And Recommendation
5.1 Summary Of The Study
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 A. Recommendation Of The Study
B. Recommendation For Further Studies
Bibliography
INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The community bank is a financial institution established to carter to the savings and credit needs of small – scale producers throughout the country. Thus, the institution represents the coalescence and modernization of traditional institutions with which most Nigerians are very familiar with, the rotating savings and credit institutions known as “isusu” and the other town union or community development association.
It was clear that inspite of government policy such as the agricultural credit quarantee scheme, conventional commercial banks and even development banking institutions face serious constraints in attending to the credit needs of millions of small producers in which most of whom have no collateral to put down on security.
The purpose of the study in this research includes:
a. To evaluate the role of Ogui Community Bank in rural development.
b. To investigate the problems facing the community banking system with special emphasis on community bank.
c. To make recommendations for the improvement of community banking system represented by Ogui Community Bank.
1.2 RATIONALE OF THE STUDY
The rationale of the study is aimed at helping researchers to evaluate the role of Ogui Community Bank in rural development.
Thus, they enlighten the community on the effective use of credit and other banking services so as to enhance individual, collective and community production and development. It will help them perform non – banking functions that promote grassroots development such as supporting individual, co-operatives and group formation activities, assisting clients in marketing of agricultural, rural, industrial and other products.
Thus, they provide financial and other extension services to clients and other community members.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
When this project is completed, it will help researchers to work further on areas of development open to community banks.
It will also assist customers of the bank to know the services provided by the bank. Ogui Community Bank Ltd. Could also use it to their own advantage especially with regard to areas where they are lacking.
This study will also help the Community Bank explore other alternatives to improving their services. It will also remind the bank whether they have achieved their mandate.
1.4 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The historical development of the banking industry in Nigeria shows the initial exclusion of the generality of rural community in the provision of banking services. Government has in those days made several but less successful efforts to encourage the spread of banking services to the rural areas. It is this limited success that led to the realization of the need for a different set of banks to operate within the peculiarities of the rural environment. This led to the introduction of the community banking program in 1990.
Ogui Community Bank of Nigeria Ltd. Thus came into being in july 1992. It is situated at the heart of Ogui New Layout and encourages the development and growth of Ogui Urban community. Most profits made in this bank are re-ploughed back into the community for self – help project. Many other benefits occur to this community by the establishment of this bank.
1.5 DEFINITION OF TERMS
a. Community Bank: this is a self sustaining financial institution owned and managed by a community or groups of communities for the purpose of providing credit, deposit, banking and other financial services to its members largely on the basis of their self recognition and credit worthiness. They are established for financing grassroot development in order to build a strong foundation of rural economy and those that benefit from their services are mainly farmers, roadside mechanics, transport operators etc. Other community banks include: Umuchinemere Community Bank, Umueze Community Bank, Ndi – Afia Community Bank and Umuoma Community Bank.
b. Bank: a bank is a financial institution duly incorporated to perform banking functions of accepting cash for the purpose of lending or investing money from the public repayable on demand by cheque or cash.
c. Loan: This is the borrowing out of a sum of money to a customer repayable at an agreed interest by a bank. It is also a separate account on its own whereby the whole sum is granted to the customer is released in a lump, at a time. Individuals and institution can obtain loan from a bank which will be repayed later with the interest agreed.
d. Credit: They are offered to customer on request when a customer is gives loan by a bank, he is said to be a creditor to the bank.
e. Profitability: The ability of a bank to make profit from any facility granted. It is the rate of interest charged on loan that determines the profit.
f. Portfolio: This is a list of securities held by an investor.
g. Mortgages: A mortgage is a conveyance of land designed to secure the payment of money. It is also a pledge of designated property is security for a loan.
Problems And Prospects Of Community Banks In The Rural Development:
Community banks play a vital role in rural development, but they also face unique challenges. Let’s delve into both the problems and prospects associated with community banks in rural development:
Problems:
- Limited Resources: Community banks often have limited capital and resources compared to larger financial institutions. This can restrict their ability to provide comprehensive banking services and invest in technology and infrastructure.
- High Operating Costs: Serving rural areas with smaller populations spread over large geographic areas can result in higher operating costs per customer for community banks. This can make it challenging to maintain profitability.
- Credit Risk: Rural economies may be more vulnerable to economic fluctuations, commodity price changes, and natural disasters, leading to higher credit risk for community banks operating in these areas.
- Lack of Skilled Workforce: Attracting and retaining skilled banking professionals in rural areas can be difficult, leading to staffing challenges and impacting the quality of service provided by community banks.
- Technological Limitations: Rural areas may lack robust internet infrastructure and access to advanced banking technologies, hindering the implementation of online banking services and digital payment systems.
- Regulatory Compliance: Community banks are subject to the same regulatory requirements as larger banks, but compliance costs can disproportionately affect smaller institutions, diverting resources away from other developmental activities.
- Competition from Larger Banks: Larger banks with greater resources and brand recognition may compete aggressively with community banks in rural areas, making it challenging for them to attract and retain customers.
Prospects:
- Local Focus and Personalized Service: Community banks are often deeply rooted in the communities they serve, allowing them to offer personalized service tailored to the unique needs of rural customers.
- Relationship Banking: Community banks prioritize building long-term relationships with their customers, which can foster trust and loyalty within the community.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Smaller organizational structures enable community banks to be more agile and responsive to local economic conditions and customer needs.
- Support for Local Businesses: Community banks play a crucial role in providing financing and support to local businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and stimulating economic growth in rural areas.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Community banks can collaborate with local governments, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage resources and address community development needs effectively.
- Innovation Opportunities: Advances in financial technology (fintech) can provide community banks with opportunities to enhance efficiency, expand services, and reach a broader customer base, even in remote rural areas.
- Community Development Initiatives: Community banks can initiate or participate in community development projects, such as affordable housing programs, infrastructure investments, and financial literacy workshops, to contribute to the overall development of rural areas.
By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on their inherent strengths, community banks can continue to play a crucial role in promoting rural development and financial inclusion.