Assessing Perceptions of the Respondents Regarding Socio-Economic Factors Contributing in Economic Prosperity of Rural Communities: A Case Study of District Sargodha, Punjab- Pakistan

Rural sector provides a foundation stone for economy of Pakistan. The current concept of ruraldevelopment is linked to economic welfare of rural people. It involves uplifting of certain indicators of developmentand satisfying the needs of fragile groups of rural communities. This study examined socio-economicfactors of rural life which contribute in economic prosperity. A list of union councils and villages in tehsilSargodha was obtained from local district office of the Population Welfare Department. All rural families livein tehsil Sargodha served as population in the study. Tehsil Sargodha was selected purposively. Of the 62 ruralunion councils, four were selected purposively and from each selected union council two villages were selectedpurposively. Hence, from each village 15 respondents were selected randomly which makes a sample of 120respondents. During the study, demographic factors such as age, Education, family structure, and professionsof the respondents were assessed. Complete regression model was applied with independent factors of educationalopportunities, agri-business opportunities and training opportunities. The results were significant at 5%level of significance as F (3, 119) = 140.74; p 0.05 and explained 78.4% of the variation in dependent factor ofjob opportunities for the respondents which is responsible for economic prosperity of rural communities. Theresults from second, third, fourth and fifth objectives respectively indicated that vocational education, canefood or auto workshop businesses, computer related job opportunities, and training in poultry farm managementare the core requirements for economic prosperity of rural communities in the area. It is concluded thatrespondents were keen enough to get maximum opportunities to participate in economic activities in order toget financial independence and to promote rural business in the area. There is a dire need to invest in expertknowledge and vocational training opportunities to bring change in the skills level of the respondents in thestudy area. It is recommended to create job opportunities by boosting up educational and agri-business opportunitiesbased on the needs, skills and by providing required training for economic wellbeing of the respondents.