Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2024
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Inclusion and rural service delivery are critical and fundamental in a democracy. Amidst this, poverty and poor service delivery characterize the rural communities despite the many indigenous heritages that can be propagated for economic gains. The Sustainable Development Goal(s) (SDG) of lifting 100 million people out of poverty by 2030 may not be feasible without thinking of viable alternatives to its actualization through local content. This paper examines the economic and social impact of indigenous festivals in Adaba community of southeastern Nigeria and how digital resources and e-democracy can be used for its propagation. The study used a Descriptive phenomenological approach and 56 participants were purposively selected for the study. Data were collected through observation and In-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic and interpretative analytical approaches. Findings show that traditional festivals are economically and socially viable, although many such festivals are moribund due to weak political will to invest in the sustenance of the cultural heritage, thereby excluding the rural communities in this context. The study advocates for the mainstreaming of economically viable traditional festivals into tourism activities of the state and should be promoted through digital resources. The study also espouses that the promotion of traditional festivals should be an integral part of e-democracy. In this way, democracy will get to the grassroots, which will ensure reduction of poverty in rural areas.