Ephraim, Idongesit Emmanuel, Ph.D.; Egbonyi, Etuki Eborty, Ph.D. Ambe, Benjamin Ayua, Ph.D.; Omoogun, Remi Modupe, Ph.D. & Onnogen, Usang Nkanu, Ph.D.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cultural arts on sustainable economic development in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, one research question was raised which was transformed into one null hypothesis that was tested at 0.05 level of significance. Related literature were reviewed. A survey research design was employed for the study. The population of the study was made up of 774,824 adult residents. Multi-stage sampling procedure comprising of stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the senatorial districts, local government areas, as well as one thousand (1000) respondents drawn from the six local government areas for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a four point rated scale instrument title “Cultural Arts and Sustainable Economic Development Questionnaire”. The instrument was validated by two experts, one in measurements and evaluation and the other in Environmental Education in the Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. The Cronbach Alpha coefficient reliability method was adopted to test the consistency of the test instrument. The reliability index of between 0.70 and 0.84 obtained was high enough to accept that the instrument was reliable. The instrument was administered personally by the researchers with the help of three trained research assistants. To test the hypotheses, simple linear regression was used. The result revealed that cultural arts significantly contribute to sustainable economic development. Based on the result of the findings, it was therefore recommended that appropriate levels of awareness concerning cultural arts should be created by government to enable indigenes tap into it and attract its benefits.