Damilola Olajubutu, a Ph.D candidate at Oregon State University, is a rural development practitioner, public policy researcher and Executive Director of Rural Nurture Initiative (RNI). In this interview with MICHAEL BABATUNDE, she spoke on her passion for rural development and challenges facing youth-led initiatives leading development in Nigeria.
NIGERIA faces a lot of developmental challenges in the rural areas. Given your sojourn in rural development, how would you advise today’s leaders to address such problems of lack of proper development in the rural areas?
Based on my expertise in rural development and my experience with the Rural Nurture Initiative, I would advise today’s leaders to address Nigeria’s rural developmental challenges through a multi-faceted approach. This could involve prioritising community engagement and participation, implementing innovative bottom-up approaches, investing in strategic communication to mobilise resources and support, fostering collaboration between government, NGOs, and local stakeholders, sustainability through long-term planning and capacity building initiatives, and implementing sustainable solutions tailored to the specific needs and context of each rural area. Additionally, investing in education, agriculture, infrastructure, and access to basic services like healthcare and clean water is essential for promoting inclusive and holistic development in rural areas.
Do you think Nigeria creates a good environment for youths to drive development through initiatives like yours?
While Nigeria has made strides in promoting youth-led initiatives, there are still challenges in creating an optimal environment for youth-driven development. Despite efforts to support entrepreneurship and innovation, issues such as limited access to funding, bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of supportive policies can hinder the effectiveness of youth-led initiatives. I believe that Nigeria could create a better environment for youths to drive development through initiatives like mine by providing more support mechanisms such as access to mentorship programmes, funding opportunities, and favorable policy frameworks that facilitate youth-led initiatives. Additionally, fostering collaboration between youth-led organisations and government agencies, promoting youth inclusion in decision-making processes, and investing in youth education and skill development programmes would further provide the enabling environment for youth-driven development initiatives in Nigeria to thrive and contribute significantly to national development.
What are your thoughts on getting young people to drive development especially in an economy where jobs are harder to find?
In an economy where jobs are harder to find, empowering young people to drive development is essential for fostering resilience and innovation. Encouraging entrepreneurship, providing access to skills training and mentorship programmes, and facilitating networking opportunities can equip young people with the tools they need to create their own opportunities and contribute to economic growth. Additionally, investing in sectors with high potential for job creation, such as technology, agriculture, and renewable energy, can create pathways for youths to engage meaningfully in development initiatives while addressing unemployment challenges. It’s also crucial to promote inclusive policies that prioritise youth participation in decision-making processes and provide support for sustainable development projects led by young people.
You had your first and second degree in Agric. You’re now pursuing a PhD in public policy, and you’re actively involved in rural development. Where’s the nexus?
The nexus between my academic background in agricultural extension and rural development, my current pursuit of a Ph.D in public policy, and my active involvement in rural development lies in the interdisciplinary nature of addressing the complex developmental challenges in rural areas. Agricultural extension encompasses not only the dissemination of agricultural knowledge but also community engagement and participatory approaches to rural development. While my foundational knowledge in agriculture equips me with an understanding of the intricacies of rural livelihoods and agricultural systems, my Ph.D studies in public policy provide me with analytical tools and frameworks to critically assess policies and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges. By integrating insights from both fields, I am better equipped to develop and advocate for evidence-based policies and innovative solutions that address the multifaceted needs of rural communities, ultimately promoting sustainable rural development and enhancing the well-being of rural communities.
What inspired you to get involved in rural development?
My inspiration to get involved in rural development stems from what I refer to as my 3-PS –“purpose, passion, and profession.” I have a strong sense of calling to change the rural narrative and contribute to making the world a better place. My passion lies in creating sustainable solutions to the developmental challenges faced by rural areas, which led to the establishment of the Rural Nurture Initiative, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to facilitating inclusive and sustainable rural development. Additionally, my professional training in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, coupled with my ongoing pursuit of a Ph.D in public policy, equips me with the knowledge and skills necessary to positively impact rural communities, not only in Nigeria but in Africa and beyond.
What were the main challenges you faced at the early stages of promoting RNI?
At the early stages of promoting the Rural Nurture Initiative, some of the main challenges I faced included securing funding to support our initiatives, garnering community trust and participation, navigating bureaucratic processes, and overcoming skepticism about the effectiveness of bottom-up approaches to rural development. Additionally, building partnerships and networks with other organisations and stakeholders, as well as establishing credibility as a relatively new organisation, were also significant hurdles. Despite these challenges, our commitment to our mission and the resilience of our team enabled us to persevere and gradually overcome these obstacles, laying the foundation for the impactful work we continue to do today.
Do you still encounter them to this day?
Yes, although the Rural Nurture Initiative has been operating for five years, we still encounter some of the challenges faced in the early stages of our journey. Securing funding and resources remains a continual challenge, as sustaining and expanding our programs requires ongoing financial support. Additionally, gaining credibility and trust within communities, navigating bureaucratic processes, and fostering partnerships continue to present ongoing challenges. However, despite these obstacles, we remain optimistic about our ability to secure funding for the valuable work we are doing and to overcome these challenges through perseverance, innovation, and collaboration with like-minded partners and stakeholders. Our track record of impact, coupled with our dedication and innovative approach, positions us well to overcome these challenges and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of rural communities.
How would you define success using your experience?
Success, from my perspective and experience, is defined by the tangible positive impact we make on the lives of rural communities. It’s not just about the number of projects implemented or the amount of funding secured, but rather the sustainable changes we facilitate in improving livelihoods, enhancing access to essential services, and empowering community members to lead self-reliant and dignified lives. Success is also measured by the partnerships forged, the trust earned within communities, and the recognition of our efforts by stakeholders and peers. Ultimately, success is about contributing to a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous future for rural areas, grounded in the principles of social justice, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment.
How have you been able to manage your academic sojourn with RNI?
Managing my academic journey alongside leading the Rural Nurture Initiative (RNI) has been both challenging and rewarding. Especially as a wife and mother, balancing these responsibilities requires careful time management, prioritisation, and support from my family and colleagues. I have learned to leverage my academic pursuits to enhance the work of RNI, applying theoretical knowledge and research skills to inform our initiatives and strategies. Additionally, I prioritise effective delegation and collaboration within RNI, empowering my team members to take on leadership roles and share responsibilities. While it can be demanding to juggle these multiple roles, the synergy between my academic pursuits and my work with RNI has been enriching, allowing me to make meaningful contributions both in academia and in the field of rural development.
To anyone reading this, that wants to be involved in development like yours, what advice would you give?
To anyone aspiring to be involved in development like me, my advice would be to first understand your “why” – the driving force behind your passion for creating positive change in rural areas or whatever target groups of interest. Once you have a clear understanding of your purpose, immerse yourself in relevant education and experiences, whether through academic pursuits like pursuing degrees in relevant fields or gaining practical experience through internships and volunteering. Additionally, cultivate strong communication and community engagement skills, as effective bottom-up approaches are crucial in rural development. Also, don’t underestimate the power of collaboration and networking; forming partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisations can amplify your impact and create sustainable solutions for rural communities. Remember, dedication to excellence, selfless service, and a commitment to effecting positive change are crucial pillars in this journey of impact.
and then