INDIGENOUS MEDIA AS A TOOL FOR POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AT THE GRASSROOTS: A STUDY OF CALABAR SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

This study examine indigenous media as a tool for policy implementation at the grassroots: a study of Calabar South Local Government Area. The purpose of this study is to find out how indigenous media can be used as tools for policy implementation at the grassroots in Calabar South LGA. Related literatures were reviewed based on the variables. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. This study was carried out in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State and was guided by four research questions. The population of this study consists of all clan-heads, family heads, titles chiefs, youth leaders, students leaders, recognized organization leaders, women leaders and council officials in Calabar South L.G.A. The sample size for the study was one hundred and twenty one (121). A purposive sampling technique was adopted for the selection of the sample size and a structured questionnaire titled “Traditional Communication as a Tool for Policy Implementation at the Grassroots Questionnaire (TCTPIGQ) was used for data collection and a simple percentage statistical method was employed to analyze the response collected from the field. The finding was that: Indigenous media can be used as a tool for policy implementation at the grassroots in Calabar South. All the items/sub-variables used in measuring the research question two are indigenous media tools used for policy implementation at the grassroots in Calabar South. The use of indigenous media tools in Calabar South is effective in policy implementation at the grassroots and the indigenous system of information dissemination on policy implementation is highly accessible to the people. Based on the findings the following recommendations are proffered among others: There should be adequate and proper education and sensitization programmes aimed at bringing to the ruralites’ awareness the gains of policy implementation, and this should be done through the best and most relevant traditional media and there should be proper funding of traditional media of communication, as this will help to preserve our values, norms and heritage.