Study of the Use of Indigenous Performance Forms in Community Development in Benue State

Indigenous performance forms such as Tiv Kwagh-hir and other ritual dramatic traditions in Benue State carry encoded social values and problem-solving frameworks that, when properly harnessed, can serve as effective vehicles for community development. This study examined how indigenous performance forms are used to address community development challenges in Gboko and Makurdi Local Government Areas, Benue State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with questionnaires administered to 180 community members, 15 performance practitioners, and 10 local government development officers. Thematic analysis was applied to interview data. Results revealed that 71.1 percent of respondents believed indigenous performances effectively communicated health messages compared to printed materials. The Kwagh-hir puppet tradition was actively used by community health volunteers in two of six communities surveyed to disseminate malaria prevention information. However, only 27.8 percent of practitioners had received formal training in applying performance to development communication. Funding constraints prevented sustained use of these forms in development projects. Younger practitioners were found to be more willing to adapt traditional forms for new developmental purposes. The study concludes that indigenous performance in Benue State is an underutilised resource in community development programming. Recommendations include training for performance practitioners in applied theatre methods, sustained collaboration between LGA development offices and traditional performance groups, and documentation of community-specific performance forms to prevent their disappearance.

Keywords: indigenous performance, community development, Tiv Kwagh-hir, Benue State, applied theatre