The role of kinsmen in the socio-economic and political development of Igboland: A case study of Nsukka metropolis

Development is a multi-dimensional process that involves growth and the mastery of the environment and its entire social, economic, and political systems, which improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of an area. Interestingly, while kinsmen have been identified as agents of socio-economic and political development in Igboland during the pre-colonial era, their roles in contemporary Igbo society seem under-studied and perhaps even underestimated. This study examined the roles of kinsmen in the socio-economic and political development of Igboland using Nsukka as a study area. A mixed research design was adopted in which both qualitative and quantitative data are found relevant to generate verifiable, unbiased and wider descriptive and analytical data set capable of achieving the purposes of this study. Methods of data collection were through surveys, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The findings revealed that kinsmen contribute to the economic and political development of Nsukka. The study concludes that it is pertinent to sustain the activities of this traditional institution in a bid to ensure sustainable social, economic, cultural and political development in Nsukka and Igboland in general.