Final answer:
Neighboring clans fear Umuofia's military strength and socio-political influence, which leads them to seek peace rather than face the community in war. Umuofia's ability to gather large numbers of warriors and influence over local governance dissuades smaller clans from engaging in direct conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
The neighboring clans are aware of Umuofia's strength and practices, which feed their reluctance to engage in war without attempting a peaceful settlement first. Umuofia's reputation for amassing large numbers of warriors creates a significant deterrent. History has shown that powerful clans or societies would amass wealth and use this to exert control over smaller families, hiring thugs and demanding services that undermine equality, producing a network of servile dependents. This ability to mobilize fighters en masse for conflicts meant that smaller families or clans could rarely maintain their independence against such powerful neighbors.
Furthermore, the influence of powerful families extended to local governance, which often resulted in manipulated tax burdens and increased wealth gaps. For any neighboring clan, the prospect of facing a foe with such a well-structured and powerful social and political hierarchy was daunting, encouraging them to seek peaceful resolutions before risking a destructive conflict that might compromise their own standing or survival.