ABSTRACT
Spatial Planning has received more emphasis in 1RD design relating to rural service delivery. However there are limitations in knowledge of the implications associated with the pattern of implementation of the spatial input in IRD design and use of the information to improve IRD policy formulation and implementation strategy. To fill the gap in knowledge, therefore, the aspect of the spatial input in the design of the service delivery system in the World Bank supported Bauchi State Integrated Rural Development Programme (BASIRDP) was investigated. The focus was on the evaluation of the spatial efficiency of FSCs in BASIRDP. The assessment was based on the application of a model of evaluation using computer Programme, as an improvement over the techniques of social evaluation in use. The outcome of the study showed that the location of FSCs in BASIRDP are spatially inefficient. This has imposed travel distances (35%) greater than the 12km considered reasonable for farm journeys to and from FSCs. The pattern was shown as a negation of the project design principle and implied loss of productive lab-our time, resources and energy that would otherwise be useful in farm activities. The number of FSCs capable of achieving the desired spatial objective in BASIRDP was also determined using the principles of the model. Based on the research findings, some policy recommendations have been made for BASIRDP and for use in the planning and design of IRD projects. in particular, the usefulness of computer based models in spatial analysis to support decision making has been shown from the pattern of results obtained in the study.