This study focuses on the significance of socio-cultural associations in the process of development of rural areas in Nigeria, particularly in Urhoboland in Delta State. The prominence given to associations in the study, explains the inability of past and prevailing rural development practices in Nigeria to accelerate the development of the rural areas.The research equally analyses the contributions of socio- cultural associations to development in some communities in the study areas. Data generated here are explained in contrast with the contributions of the local, state and federal government to get clear picture of how associations have fared in the study area. Similarly, the assumption that the government alone cannot shoulder the onerous task of developing the rural areas is amply tested.