Cultural beliefs/practices and community development in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Different cultures and practices impact either positively or negatively on the developmental aspirations of societies globally and locally. The activities of individuals and groups in these societies have been recognised as affecting the changes occurring within the society. It was recognising this that the study was undertaken to explore the role of cultural practices and belief in the development of the North central Nigeria. These included widowhood practices, witchcraft among others. Results indicated that all these practices were endemic in the region and they impinge on the development of the society as many young people abandon their communities for fear of these beliefs hence leaving the place empty of development. Following from here, it was suggested that cultural practices that are inimical to development should be jettison in order to achieve the desired development.