INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
Harnessing The Cultural Heritage of Pan Chiefdom for Sustainable
Development in Plateau State
Chrysanthus Dakogol
Department Of Tourism Management Technology Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi
Received: 26 October 2025; Accepted: 04 November 2025; Published: 20 November 2025
ABSTRACT
Most governments worldwide recognise that preserving cultural heritage is essential for sustainable
development, as it is vital to human life. Cultural heritage appears in various forms, both tangible and intangible.
This study focused on leveraging the material aspects of the Pan Chiefdom's cultural heritage to promote
sustainable development in Plateau State. The literature indicates that Nigeria, particularly Plateau State,
possesses a rich and diverse cultural heritage; however, challenges such as protection and conservation, as well
as the lack of collaboration among public and stakeholder groups, have hindered sustainable heritage efforts.
The research employed a qualitative approach, collecting primary data through semi-structured interviews in
seven districts of the Pan Chiefdom, and analysed the data thematically. Findings indicated that the practice of
Christianity and Islam influences the preservation of cultural traditions among current generations. Additionally,
limited collaboration between traditional rulers and the government, along with the absence of a cultural
museum, restricts sustainable heritage development in the area. It is therefore advised that the state government
and traditional rulers in these districts launch awareness and advocacy campaigns highlighting the importance
of safeguarding the Pan-cultural heritage. Such efforts can strengthen social cohesion, foster unity, and empower
local communities by producing artefacts for display at Long Pan Palace's museum.
Keywords: Cultural heritage, sustainability, community, tourism development, Pan Chiefdom
INTRODUCTION
The preservation of cultural heritage is widely seen as a key factor influencing a society's development.
UNESCO (2018) emphasises that it reflects a community's life, history, and identity. Preserving it helps mend
fractured communities, restore their identities, and connect their past with the present and future. Traditionally,
cultural heritage encompasses artefacts such as paintings, drawings, prints, mosaics, sculptures, historic
monuments, buildings, and archaeological sites. However, its scope now extends to all forms of human creativity
and expression, such as photographs, documents, books, manuscripts, and instruments, whether as individual
items or collections (Franchi, 2019). Importantly, cultural heritage encompasses not only tangible objects but
also intangible elements, such as traditions, oral histories, performing arts, social practices, traditional crafts,
rituals, and the knowledge and skills passed down through generations within a community.
Various definitions of sustainable development exist, but the most widely cited is from the 1987 Brundtland
Commission Report (Schaefer & Crane, 2005). It defines SD as development that fulfils current needs without
jeopardising future generations' ability to meet theirs. Key aspects include preserving biodiversity and
ecosystems, managing population growth, maintaining production systems, conserving evolving cultures, and
encouraging people’s participation (Ben-Eli, 2015; Molinoari et al., 2019). This suggests that protecting and
integrating heritage into development strategies can contribute to building more resilient, cohesive, and
sustainable communities. Many scholars agree that leveraging cultural heritage can enhance community identity
and social cohesion, while also empowering marginalised groups by providing opportunities to recognise and
celebrate their cultural practices (Horne & Duxbury, 2015; Zhou, 2019).
Page 7968
