Traditions and Customs in Community Development: The Case of Nkanu West and Nkanu East Local Government Areas of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the influence of traditions and customs on community development in Nkanu West and Nkanu East Local Government Areas of Enugu State. The study was carried out with three objectives and three null hypotheses. The research adopted descriptive survey design with a population of 2,125 members of community Based Organizations in the study area. The sample size of 526 persons were selected using random and proportionate sampling techniques. Data for this study was collected with the use of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by two experts in the field of Adult and Non-Formal Education. Responses to the questionnaire items were analysed with the mean statistics and the hypotheses were tested using the chi square statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the analysed data revealed that traditions and customs of the people of Nkanu West and Nkanu East LGAs have influenced community development both positively and negatively. The people have on some occasions rejected community development programmes that contradict their customs and traditions. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the government and council of traditional rulers in Enugu State should organize sensitization programmes for community leaders to conscientize them on the need to eradicate certain customs and traditional practices that impede community development efforts in their communities.

Keywords: Tradition, Custom, Community Development