Socio-Cultural Profiling and Development in Southeast Nigeria: A Case Study

Abstract

Development projects have better chances of succeeding in this part of the globe if intricate socio-cultural issues are identified and recognized in the planning and implementation process. Yet, efforts to document the dynamic social processes for development purposes appear to be haphazard in spite of the fact that Nigeria’s Environmental Impact Assessment Decree of 1992 recognizes this need. This paper uses a multiplicity of approaches to identify, document and describe the socio-cultural indicators that may influence and be affected by gas oil and exploitation and New Awka Capital City project in Anambra Basin. Research results reveal that the people of the region, like many peoples of Nigeria, have sentimental attachment to land, forests and the resources therein, water bodies and other aspects of their cultural heritage. In actual fact, some of these heritage resources, namely land, forests, lakes, streams, pythons, tortoise etc, are seen as sacred possessions and therefore must not be desecrated by any form of development. This paper provides a platform that will guide the increasing development projects in Anambra Basin.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n5p212