Abstract
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from being a voluntary philanthropic activity to a strategic tool for sustainable rural development. However, in many rural communities in Nigeria, CSR interventions often fail to achieve sustainable impact due to poor alignment with local needs, weak community participation, and lack of ownership. The problem this study addresses is the gap between CSR rhetoric and tangible rural transformation, particularly in Southeast Yagba, Kogi State, where Farm Well Integrated Industry operates. This study rethinks the role of CSR in transforming rural communities, with specific objectives to: examine how CSR interventions influence livelihood improvement, infrastructure development, social inclusion, and economic empowerment among local populations; identify challenges hindering effective CSR implementation; and propose strategies for repositioning CSR for sustainable rural development. The study adopted a mixed research approach. Data were collected through quantitative CSR impact, in-depth interviews with community members, industry representatives, and local leaders; field observations of CSR facilities and community interactions; and analysis of secondary data including CSR reports and community records. The study reveals that CSR programs significantly enhance community well-being when aligned with local needs, priorities, and participatory frameworks. Effective CSR implementation depends on inclusive stakeholder engagement, accountability, inclusive participation, and sustainability-driven partnerships between private industries and rural communities. However, key challenges identified include poor maintenance culture, uneven spread of facilities, and sustainability concerns. The study concludes that a redefined CSR model anchored on social innovation, local ownership, environmental responsibility, and sustainability can accelerate rural transformation if strategically designed and implemented through collaborative and participatory processes. The study recommends training locals for facility maintenance to foster ownership and ensure sustainability; spreading the provision of facilities across communities to reduce pressure; and securing complementary financial support from other stakeholders, including the government.
Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Rural Development, Social Innovation, Community Transformation, Sustainability, Kogi State, Nigeria
DOI: www.doi.org/10.36349/fujpam.2026.v5i01.014
author/Lamidi Kehinde Felix Ph.D & Bilyaminu Tukur
journal/FUJPAM Vol. 5, No. 1
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
