Regional Development and Public Policy in the Gongola Region, Nigeria : An Empirical Study of Spatial Patterns and Processes

This book is based on a doctoral work that was completed in 1997. It is essentially concerned with development processes in former Gongola State (now Adamawa and Taraba States) in northeastern Nigeria. The book looks at the spatial processes arising from public policy decisions that gave shape and character to the various sections of the state, which we can describe as pattern of development. It tries to answer some basic questions on development in Gongola state, and their implications for future regional planning in the new offshoot states of Adamawa and Taraba. In doing so the book attempts to answer some questions as the basis for understanding and providing probable solutions to the problems of the spatial inequalities in Gongola State in particular and Nigeria in general. The book reveals that the most important dimensions of public policy focus on the development process in the state was the promotion of urban development, female empowerment and rural utilities and services. The study also shows that public policy has failed to redress the problem of spatial inequality in development in Gongola State.