Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between poverty alleviation programs and rehabilitation of street children has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Selected Microfinance Banks in Nigeria where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Selected Microfinance Banks in Nigeria presents a useful setting for examining this relationship precisely because the conditions there — structural, regulatory, and behavioural — differ from those typically assumed in the broader literature, most of which draws on evidence from more developed economies.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While poverty alleviation programs is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on rehabilitation of street children within Selected Microfinance Banks in Nigeria remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to poverty alleviation programs are helping or hindering rehabilitation of street children — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Poverty Alleviation Programs on rehabilitation of street children in Selected Microfinance Banks in Nigeria.
2. To assess the extent to which poverty alleviation programs influences rehabilitation of street children within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with poverty alleviation programs in relation to rehabilitation of street children.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing poverty alleviation programs in order to improve rehabilitation of street children.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of poverty alleviation programs on rehabilitation of street children in Selected Microfinance Banks in Nigeria?
2. To what extent does poverty alleviation programs influence rehabilitation of street children within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with poverty alleviation programs in relation to rehabilitation of street children?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize poverty alleviation programs in order to improve rehabilitation of street children?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around rehabilitation of street children. For managers and practitioners within Selected Microfinance Banks in Nigeria, the study provides practical insight into how poverty alleviation programs can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on social work by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this BSc study confines itself to Selected Microfinance Banks in Nigeria, focusing specifically on how poverty alleviation programs relates to rehabilitation of street children within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.