Dr Godfrey Ekene Odinka, Dr Unaji Ushie Odey & Dr Osedumme Igwebuike
Abstract
This study, guided by two null hypotheses, assessed the influence of traditional institutions on grassroots development in rural communities of Cross River State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised an estimated 13,500 adult stakeholders drawn from rural communities in Cross River State, including traditional rulers, council of elders, community development association members, and active participants in community development activities. A sample size of 200 respondents was selected using purposive and accidental sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was a validated questionnaire titled “Traditional Institutions and Grassroots Development Questionnaire (TIGDQ)”. To establish reliability, a trial test was conducted outside the study area, and the Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficients ranged from 0.80 to 0.85. The data obtained were analyzed using linear regression analysis, at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed, among others, that councils of elders and traditional rulers significantly influence rural infrastructure development and community participation in development activities in rural communities of Cross River State. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government and development agencies should strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers and councils of elders in planning and implementing rural development projects.