International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XI, November 2022|ISSN 2454-6186

Accessing The Role of Local Culture in Community Development

 Olanipekun Olubunmi Adebola, Kayode Gladys Modupe, and Adedokun Mary Olufunke
Department of Adult Education and Community Development, Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract: Culture is communication and value shared. It involves symbols, heroes and rituals and more importantly values and norms that can shape people’s lives towards their own development and the development of communities. Culture which can be referred to as the cumulative deposit of knowledge, experience, beliefs, values and attitudes has not always been really appreciated and acknowledged as playing any meaningful role in the process of community development. This paper examined what role culture is expected to play in the development of individuals and communities. In its role in community development, local cultures contributes to building a sense of local identity and solidarity, thereby, serving as a viable tool in shaping the effectiveness of development options in communities. The paper found among others that cultural life is among the most important factors determining the satisfaction of the life of the people and that people value social relationships which is fostered by the culture of the people, which builds up into personal and community development. It was also found that culture would awaken creativity, which leads to economic buoyancy of individuals and communities. Engaging local culture for development would enhance mobilization of people towards participation in community development and this will influence quality of life, welfare of the community members and sustainability of communities. It is recommended that leaders of community should mobilize people for cultural engagements and government should include activities in curriculum of schools

Keyword: culture, community, development, community development, power culture, participation

I. INTRODUCTION

Local culture provides a sense of identity for the development of communities both rural and urban because culture is not geographic bound. Every community has its own cultural heritage, however, many of the Nigerian cultures are being abandoned for some foreign cultures which are of no benefit in propagating the development of communities in Nigeria. Valuables are being dropped for triviality hence, many young and old people do not see any impact being made by culture on both personal and community development. When a cultural basis is provided for development efforts, people will participate and remain committed to such development efforts.
Development efforts that focus on culture provide a mechanism for linking community members to development process. (Adedokun,2020) Local culture, therefore, encourages, preserves and promotes local participation, volunteerism and community action. To understand the place of culture in development process, consideration must be given to the social basis of culture, its relationship to interaction and the types of development and local actions in community development.