There has been a long discussion within the development space by experts and technocrats alike on how the state can be transformed from a struggling past to a glorious reality. Many have anchored development on the five “P”s of Policy, Plan, Programs, Projects and People.
Yet there has now been a new thinking manifest on how those Ps can be tailored and integrated to make sense of the new development index. That revelation gains its most essential and acceptable application through the drafting and utilization of theoretical framework as a panacea to leading growth and development in any state in the world.
I have conducted extensive studies on how Theoretical Framework can make a difference in the development stride of Cross River State.
Below are some of the body of my study on the path to developing Cross River State and the three key theories that can make a real difference:
My study is anchored on the Sustainable Development Theory, supported by Dependency Theory and the Human Development Approach. The triangulation of these three theories provides a holistic understanding of the development challenges of Cross River State.
Sustainable Development Theory
The Sustainable Development Theory, popularized by the Brundtland Commission (1987) in _Our Common Future_, defines development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” It rests on three pillars: economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
This theory is most relevant to Cross River State because the state possesses over 40% of Nigeria’s remaining tropical rainforest, the Cross River National Park, and the largest mangrove ecosystem in Africa. Any development model that ignores the environment — such as the proposed 260km Superhighway through the Ekuri forest — is unsustainable.
The theory therefore provides the lens to assess whether projects like Tinapa, Obudu Mountain Resort, and the Calabar Carnival are economically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.
Dependency Theory
Dependency Theory as espoused by Andre Gunder Frank (1967) and Claude Ake (1981) argues that underdevelopment in the periphery is caused by exploitation from the center. Applied to Cross River, the state became a classic dependent economy after the 2012 International Court of Justice ruling and the subsequent loss of 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom. The state lost its status as an oil-producing state, its derivation revenue dropped drastically, and it became dependent on federal allocation and tourism.
This explains why despite huge potentials in tourism, agriculture and solid minerals, the state remains fiscally weak and cannot fund its own development without Abuja.
Human Development And Capability Approach
Amartya Sen (1999) in _Development as Freedom_ argues development should be measured by what people can do and be — education, health, and political freedom — not just GDP or roads.
This is critical for Cross River where Calabar metropolis shows development (Carnival, good roads) but rural LGAs like Boki, Yala, Obanliku and Ogoja have some of the worst indices for out-of-school children, maternal mortality and potable water in South-South Nigeria. The study therefore measures development not by projects commissioned, but by improvement in human capabilities.
Application To The State
The three theories combine thus: Sustainable Development provides the _goal_ (balanced growth), Dependency explains the _constraint_ (federal dependence and oil loss), and Human Development provides the _measurement_ (impact on people). This framework guides the analysis of Cross River State development from 1999 to present.
In Closing
Every state must see to it that its development agenda is guided by and rooted in the theoretical framework of some sort. No state can have real development without a theory and this is why I am calling on the Cross River State Government to as a matter of urgency adopt the above theoretical framework or develop a different one that seeks to lead the development resources of the state in the right direction. Thanks
Richard Friday Inoyo, is the Country Director of Citizens’ Solution Network and writes from Calabar, Cross River State.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Richard Inoyo and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.
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