Evolving Begging Culture and its Socio-Economic Implications on Rural Communities of Logo local government Area, Benue State Nigeria

Abstract

This work addressed begging in Logo local government area, with the objectives of: identifying the patterns of begging obtainable in the study area, investigating into the rationale for begging, problems created by the act of begging and the socio- economic implications of begging on the rural people of Logo Local Government Area.  Applying Social Action Theory, the study made use of the survey method, where a sample of 180 respondents was selected from a population of all beggars in the study area using the purposive sampling technique. Structured and in-depth interview techniques were used in collecting data whiledata were analysed qualitatively using the descriptive interpretive analysis approach with percentages and tables. Findings revealed that both the young and elderly, able-bodied and physically challenged sick and healthy people are all involved in different types of begging in the area studied, using different techniques. Rationale for begging includes poverty, unemployment, and a source of living among others. It was discovered that begging has socio-economic implications which include, idleness, laziness, inadequate labour force on-farm, and low income, it also encouraged gossiping, fraud, and other criminal activities.  In conclusion, therefore, begging creates social problems, it hinders desire to work thereby increasing dependency and then decreasing economic productivity in Logo Local Government Area, It was recommended among other things that, the wealthy members of the society willing to help should engage beggars in skill acquisition training rather than endless drooping of peanuts. With this done, the people will be kept busy and productive leading to economic development.  Rationale