Social Economic Contribution Of Fishing Festival To The Development Of Etsako Central LGA Of Edo State

Project and Seminar Material for Sociology

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the social economic contribution of fishing festival to the development of Etsako central l.g.a of Edo state.. Specifically, the study aims to examine the socio -economic benefit of fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State, find out the challenges facing fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State and strategize on how to improve fishing festivals in other for the development of Etsako l.g.a Edo State. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 141 responses were validated from the survey. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that fishing festivals does have a socio economic benefit in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State. The study thereby recommends that construction of accessible roads and provision of other infrastructural facilities like regular supply of electricity will be increase influx of visitors to fishing festival in Edo State. Also, establishment of shops where souvenirs like indigenous handcrafted textiles, ceramic wares, paintings etc. could be sold and bought by the tourists during fishing festival will boost economy of the Etsako community.

Table of Content

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
1.10 Organization of the Studies

Chapter Two:

Review of Literature

2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review

Chapter Three:

Research Methodology

3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample Size Determination
3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
3.6 Method of Data Collection
3.7 Method of Data Analysis
3.8 Validity of the Study
3.9 Reliability of the Study
3.10 Ethical Consideration

Chapter Four:

Data Presentation and Analysis

4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Analysis of Data
4.3 Answering Research Questions
4.4 Test of Hypotheses

Chapter Five:

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
REFERENCES
APPENDIX

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Festival is an expression of culture of a particular group of the society with intricate social, economic and cultural values. Today, local festivals are regarded as important tourism resource, a prominent component in the culture of many societies and an inevitable part of the heritage of many nations (Kuude, Adongo and Abanga, 2010). The researcher observed that today, as people wake up somewhere or go to bed elsewhere, within certain timeframes of the year, in cities, towns and villages, people will be celebrating a festival or festivity of some kind. There are many festivals in Nigeria, some of which are dated to the period before the arrival of the major religions in this ethnically and culturally diverse society (Mathias, 2014). It was further reported that festivals in Nigeria can be categorized into four, which are music, film cultural, Christian and Muslim festivals. Most importantly, celebration of cultural festivals such as Argungu fishing festival (Kebbi State,North western Nigeria), Calabar Carnival (Cross River State), Carniriv (River State ) to mention a few is acclaimed to be a unifying force connecting people from different race and background together. This is because celebration of these cultural events in most cases remind people of their past. It is regarded as heritage resources that facilitate social cohesion. Celebration of cultural festivals serve as vehicle that drives the economy of a community through the derivable economic benefits especially during the festive period (Hackbert, 2009). The researcher observed that fishing festivals packaged with other special events provide excitement, fun, and art, cultural and heritage entertainment in communities and other recreational settings throughout the nation at an expand rate. For instance Calabar Carnival has been held in Calabar since 2006, it includes events such as band competitions, a parade, sales of local food and cultural dancing. This explains the reason why it has been called Nigeria’s biggest street party (The Report: Nigeria 2010). In the same vein, Carniriv (English: Car-nee-rev) is an annual festival, held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The Carnival starts few weeks before Christmas and lasts for seven days. During this time several ceremonial events are held, most of which hold some cultural and sacred significance (Okachi, 2015). Therefore this study seeks to examine the social economic contribution of fishing festival to the development of etsako central l.g.a of edo state.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The purpose of celebrating festival is equally very important as it reveals the structures of the culture from which it emerged. However, there are challenges facing fishing festivals in Etsako LGA some of which are the need to ensure funding, maintenance, that is continuous protective care of a place (including elements, objects, spaces and views) and its preservation in its existing state have earlier been acknowledged (Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter, 2013). Preservation and maintenance of places of significant value can therefore be considered as part of the essence of celebrating fishing festivals. Consequently, Nigeria Government has put in place a Cultural Policy/mechanism that aims at protecting and promoting the diversity of the nation’s cultural expressions. Hence, this study will examine social economic contribution of fishing festival to the development of Etsako central l.g.a of edo state.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The general objective of the study is to examine the social economic contribution of fishing festival to the development of Etsako central l.g.a of Edo state.

To examine the socio-economic benefit of fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State.
To find out the challenges facing fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State.
To strategize on how to improve fishing festivals in other for the development of Etsako l.g.a Edo State.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What are the socio-economic benefit of fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State?
What are the challenges facing fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State?
How can fishing festivals be improved in other for the development of Etsako l.g.a Edo State?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following hypothesis have been formulated for the study:

H0: fishing festivals does not have any socio economic benefit in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State.
HA: fishing festivals does have any socio economic benefit in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be significant to the Edo state government and ministry of tourism as they will be exposed to the lapses and potentials of the tourism, which can inadvertently improve the internally generated revenue for the state and also create employment.

The study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study will examine the socio -economic benefit of fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State. The study will also find out the challenges facing fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State. The study will further strategize on how to improve fishing festivals in other for the development of Etsako l.g.a Edo State. Hence, this study will be delimited to Etsako central l.g.a Edo State.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Fishing:

The activity of catching fish, either for food or as a sport.

Festival:

A day or period of celebration, typically for religious reasons.

Development:

The process of developing or being developed.

1.10 Organization of the Studies

The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study, sample size determination, sample size, and selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary

In this study, our focus was on the social economic contribution of fishing festival to the development of Etsako central l.g.a of Edo state using Etsako central l.g.a as a case study. The study specifically was aimed at highlighting the socio-economic benefit of fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State, find out the challenges facing fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State and strategize on how to improve fishing festivals in other for the development of Etsako l.g.a Edo State. A total of 141 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are drawn from resident of Etsako central l.g.a of Edo.

5.2 Conclusion

Based on the finding of this study, the following conclusions were made:

The socio-economic benefit of fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State is opportunities to engage in socialization, entertainment and the establishment of social networks and Increase in business patronage.
The challenges facing fishing festivals in Etsako l.g.a of Edo State are issues of poor funding, lack of commitment for conserving heritage materials and lack of awareness.
Fishing festivals can be improved in other for the development of Etsako l.g.a Edo State by partnering with local companies and sponsors, hold contests and give promotional items and reach out to influencers and the media.

5.3 Recommendation

Based on the responses obtained, the researcher proffers the following recommendations:

Construction of accessible roads and provision of other infrastructural facilities like regular supply of electricity will be increase influx of visitors to fishing festival in Edo State.
Establishment of shops where souvenirs like indigenous handcrafted textiles, ceramic wares, paintings etc. could be sold and bought by the tourists during fishing festival will boost economy of the Etsako community.
There should be provision of incentives to the private to encourage partnership and collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism financial investment in developmental activities that adhere to the principles of sustainable cultural tourism
More awareness about fishing festival in Edo State should be created in order to increase community involvement in activities being performed.