THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN MOBILIZING SUPPORT FOR POVERTY REDUCTION INITIATIVES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This research aims at identifying how social media is used to advocate for poverty reduction strategies, create awareness, mobilise resources and foster stakeholder partnerships specifically in Nigeria. In conducting this research a survey method is used alongside an interview method to obtain both quantitative data by surveying the NGOs and qualitative date by interviewing social activist from social media account, community leaders and individuals. The studies show how the use of social media like Face book and Twitter in particular dramatically improves public participation, openness, and timely response to poverty reduction interventions. Some of the roles in question include raising awareness campaigns, advocating for hashtags, visually narrating a story and encouraging professional donor engagement. Nevertheless, barriers like inadequate physical connectedness, digital literacy inequalities and disinformation compromise the social media utility in the rural areas fully. The study suggests strategies related to addressing the above barriers; these include introduction of digitally mediated literacy campaigns, cheap access to the internet, and better content filtering. Therefore, by comparing the phenomenon established in this research with the findings of other studies, the research brings new perspectives to the determination of the ways to use social media for designing and implementing more effective and inclusive anti-poverty programmes in Nigeria.