CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Globalization is creeping across continents and Africa is not exempted, it is caught up in a world revolution that is so dynamic and it has almost got out of human control (Kilminster, 1997: 125).
It is a revolution of man as a whole, and therefore no people or country can remain unaffected by globalization. In Europe and North America, globalization goes back three to five generations.
But in Africa we are nearly all in the first generation of the change which took only a few decades for it to be paved (Held, 1997:56). Without warning and without physical or psychological preparation, Africa has been invaded by globalization which as a process carries in itself what is today called post-modernity. However, this post-modernity is more of Western culture, politics, science, technology, medicine, schools, and new methods of conquering nature. With these Western methods of conquering nature, therefore, globalization is mainly characterized by individualism, money economy, and neo-liberal capitalistic world-view (Robertson, 1992:28). Moreover, the emphasis on liberty, creation of neo-liberal capitalist societies, on self development and self-choice has resulted in a transformation of a new individual identity in traditional African communities that every young person in African community today tends to embrace (Robertson, 1992:97). Unlike traditional African culture where identity formation was given, now the identity is a process which depends mostly on the individual only. Because space and time are compressed, because of the spreading of mass-communications and technology, people find it difficult to identify themselves with a specific culture or society.

1.3 Research Questions
– What are the effects of globalization on the indigenous life of local communities?
– What are the instruments used in fostering globalization?
– What measures are being taken or put in place to limit globalisation?
1.4 Objectives of the Study
– To examine the effects of globalization on indigenous life of the local communities.
– To find out the instruments that are used in fostering globalization
– To examine the methods that are being put in place to limit globalization.

1.5 Research Hypotheses
H1: Globalisation causes the erosion of indigenous culture and lifestyle. Traditions that have
existed for centuries are gradually being wiped and the younger generation are going further
away from their roots and embracing other Western cultures that are alien to them.
H2: The most powerful tool that is used in fostering the globalization agenda is the Information
and Communication Technologies (ICT) via the various social media handles like Youtube,
Facebook, Twitter, Tinder, WhatsApp, Instagram. Also, more effective means of traveling like
the planes and large cargo carrying ships are a great fosterer of globalization.
H3: Limitation of foreign imports is a means that has been put in place. Also, incentives are
given to home industries and citizens are thus encouraged to consume home made goods. The
state organizes several cultural festivals to get people more aware and showcase their culture.