ASSESSING THE EXTENT OF UTILIZATION OF INDIGENOUS MODES OF COMMUNICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT: The study examines the extent of utilization of indigenous modes of communication for community development in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu state The study is predicated on the research problem that the Western modem mass media which have dominated the landscape of Nsukka LGA have not been very effective in developing the community who are mostly rural, poor and illiterate for development. Adopting the survey research method using primary and secondary data sources a sample size of 222 from Nsukka LGA, were selected for the study. Simple percentages, tables, frequencies and charts were used to analyze the data, with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings include indigenous modes of communication is useful and effective for community development; indigenous modes of communication or media tools exist for community development; indigenous modes of communication can be strategically used to reach the rural populace; there are significant hindrances to effective utilization of indigenous modes of communication; and there are policies and projects that boost the use and impact of indigenous modes of communication. The recommendations are; effective needs assessment; effective use of indigenous modes of communication media to reach the grassroots given their low literacy level for adequate awareness, sensitization and mobilization for development, proper funding of indigenous modes of communication to preserve cultural values and heritage, greater involvement of traditional institutions and persons for effective community development and integrated use of traditional and modern (tradomodern) communication for optimal community development.