Local Dialect Radio Programmes, Rural Development and Social Integration: The Case of Nsukka Alua, Radio Nigeria, Enugu Programme

The present study focuses on the contribution of the ‘Nsukka Alua’ local dialect radio programmes to the social integration and rural development of the Nsukka people of Enugu State, Nigeria.. A combination of ethnographic qualitative research design was used. For the field study, the interview and focused group techniques were adopted to collect the data. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 5 communities for the study. Data were gathered on the role of Nsukka Alua as an integrative tool, for the promotion of Nsukka traditional culture and the communication of development information that will mobilize the people for development. The study established that Nsukka Alua radio Nigeria programme, has improve awareness and knowledge of solutions to community development problems ranging from social integration, rural development, education, agriculture to local governance. Since the study showed a positive role of the indigenous radio programme, Nsukka Alua in rural development and social integration among the Nsukka people, future intervention policies for development should package more radio programmes in local language of target group. These will enhance listenership, interest and positive change of desired development and integrative behavior. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s2p8