Background of the study:
Cultural festivals play an integral role in fostering social cohesion and stimulating local economies in diverse communities. In Calabar South Local Government Area, such festivals have become catalysts for economic growth by attracting tourism, encouraging local trade, and reinforcing cultural heritage (Ekemini, 2023). These events offer a platform for showcasing local artistry, traditional crafts, and culinary delights, thereby generating revenue and creating temporary employment opportunities (Okafor, 2024). Moreover, cultural festivals promote community pride and attract external investments that may lead to improved infrastructure and public services (Ibe, 2025). However, the relationship between cultural festivities and sustainable economic development remains underexplored, particularly regarding long-term benefits versus short-term gains. This study investigates the dual role of cultural festivals as both cultural expressions and economic stimuli, while critically examining challenges such as overcrowding, commercialization, and the potential erosion of cultural authenticity. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these events can be managed to maximize economic growth while preserving cultural values, thereby informing policy decisions aimed at sustainable regional development (Ekemini, 2023).
Statement of the problem:
Despite the clear economic potential of cultural festivals in Calabar South, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, commercialization, and inconsistent funding continue to hinder their sustainable impact. These issues limit the long-term economic benefits and may compromise cultural integrity (Okafor, 2024). The study seeks to address these gaps by investigating the balance between economic gains and cultural preservation (Ibe, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
Research questions:
Research Hypotheses:
Significance of the study:
This research is significant as it clarifies the economic role of cultural festivals, offering policymakers and community leaders strategic insights to optimize event planning and resource allocation for sustained local economic development (Udo, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study focuses exclusively on cultural festivals in Calabar South Local Government Area. It does not encompass other forms of cultural or entertainment events, and limitations include data availability and regional specificity.
Definitions of terms:
Background of the Study
Market trends are dynamic forces that shape consumer behavior, product demand, and competitive str...
Background of the Study
Parental leave policies play a crucial role in supporting employees, particularly female workers, in balancing th...
Background of the study
Social media contests have emerged as a popular tool for boosting brand visibility, particularly a...
ABSTRACT
This project aims at examining pricing strategy and profit planning as a general pheno...
Background of the Study
Religious teachings have long influenced legal and social frameworks, including matters of inherit...
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the impact of social media on modern journalism in Makurdi metropolis. To achieve this ai...
ABSTRACT
The study assessed the implementation of English reading components in senior secondary schools in Nigeria (a study of Kaduna st...
Background of the Study
Second language acquisition (SLA) strategies are essential for achieving proficiency in a language...
Abstract
The emergence of cell phones in Nigeria, a communication enhancing technological device that came with the mill...
Background of the Study
Health insurance schemes are designed to improve access to healthcare by reducing financial barriers for patients...