Reflections on Environmental Security, Indigenous Knowledge and the Implications for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
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Date
2014
Authors
Ayeni, A.O.
Olorunfemi, F.B.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUT Owerri)
Abstract
The crucial role of environmental factors in determining the fate of human beings and human societies remains a compelling argument, though it is often made anecdotally rather than through rigorous empirical research. Nigeria’s high vulnerability index, the increasing environmental insecurity as a developing nation and the predicted adverse impacts of climate change portend great danger for sustainable development. A crucial issue often raised is on the scope and extent to which Nigeria’s involvement in several sustainable development dialogues, and signatory to environmental conventions have enabled growth to take cognisance of challenges associated with environmental insecurity. This paper, therefore, reflects on the linkages between environmental security and indigenous knowledge and the usefulness of these for enhacing sustainable development in Nigeria. Specific issues examined in the paper include an exploration of the linkages between environmental security and indigenous knowledge, environmental security and sustainable development and, importantly, recent efforts at addressing sustainable development challenges in Nigeria. We argued that to promote environmental security for sustainable development, indigenous knowledge should be included in all local, state and national development actions, plans and discussions.. It is therefore important for government, non-state actors and environmental stakeholders to promote the effectiveness of indigenous knowledge to promote practices and policies that will enhance environmental security and by extension sustainable development. The implication of all this is that a paradigm shift is required, whereby indigenous knowledge drives our development efforts in Nigeria.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
Environmental security , indigenous knowledge , climate change , sustainable development , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences
Citation
Ayeni, A. O. and F. B. Olorunfemi (2014). Reflections on Environmental Security, Indigenous Knowledge and the Implications for Sustainable Development in Nigeria. J. Res. Natl. Dev. 12(1): 46 – 57