TRADITIONAL METHODS OF COMMUNICATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ETIM EKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT This study was on traditional methods of communication and rural development in EtimEkpo Local Government Area. The objectives were determine whether EtimEkpo residents make use of traditional methods of communication in their communication and information dissemination. To examine the different forms of traditional methods of communication that are used in EtimEkpo Local Government Area. To determine whether traditional methods of communication contribute to rural development in EtimEkpo Local Government Area. To find out the ways traditional methods of communication influence rural development in EtimEkpo Local Government Area. The theories that suits the study were Cultural norms theory, two-step flow of Communication Theory and Hypodermic Needle Theory or Bullet Theory. The study adopted survey method.The population for this study comprises the residents of EtimEkpo Local Government Area from the age of 18 years and above. A sample size of 385 was drawn for the study using systematic random sampling procedure. The study found that EtimEkpo residents make use of traditional methods of communication in their communication and information dissemination. Traditional methods of communication used in EtimEkpo Local Government Area are Symbols and illustration, Proverbs and Folklores. The different methods of communication contribute to rural development in EtimEkpo Local Government Area. Traditional methods of communication influence rural development in EtimEkpo Local Government Area. Hence, it was recommended that Traditional communication methods should be maintained because they have created a lot of influence towards the development of EtimEkpo Local Government Area through their special ways of moulding their behaviours.