Since 1993, MAMSER has played a pivotal role in national transformation and reorientation through advocacy and public enlightenment, and by building strategic partnerships with stakeholders at all levels. This has facilitated national growth and community development in various sectors, including the rural communities.
Here are some of the functions and roles of MAMSER toward the development of rural communities in Nigeria:
- Mobilization and Sensitization: MAMSER mobilizes and sensitizes rural communities on issues of self-reliance, social justice, economic recovery, and other essential development themes. This is done through various channels such as town hall meetings, community meetings, radio programs, and print media.
- Public Enlightenment: MAMSER engages in public enlightenment campaigns in rural areas to create awareness about government policies, programs, and initiatives that are designed to improve the lives of rural dwellers. This helps to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the process of national development.
- Civic Education and Participation: MAMSER promotes civic education and encourages citizens in rural communities to participate actively in the political and developmental processes. This is done through the organization of workshops, seminars, and other capacity-building initiatives.
- Conflict Resolution and Peace-building: MAMSER intervenes in conflicts and promotes peace-building efforts in rural communities. It does this by organizing dialogues and mediation sessions, as well as sensitizing the communities on the negative effects of conflicts on development.
- Community Development Projects: MAMSER facilitates and supports community development projects in rural areas. These projects are aimed at addressing the specific needs and priorities of the communities, such as providing access to potable water, improved sanitation, rural electrification, and construction of rural roads.
- Empowerment and Skill Acquisition: MAMSER empowers rural communities by providing skills acquisition programs that enable community members to start small businesses and generate income. This helps to reduce poverty and unemployment in rural areas and contributes to economic development.
- Gender and Youth Empowerment: MAMSER advocates for gender equality and youth empowerment in rural communities. It supports women and youth groups to participate actively in decision-making processes and access opportunities for education, employment, and leadership positions.
- Networking and Partnerships: MAMSER collaborates and partners with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and the private sector. This enables the pooling of resources, expertise, and efforts for the effective development of rural communities.
Overall, MAMSER's role is crucial in promoting sustainable rural development in Nigeria by involving and empowering rural communities, bridging the gap between rural and urban areas, and ensuring that the benefits of national development reach all segments of the population.