Indigenous Knowledge Strategies for Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Emohua LGA, Rivers State

Abstract

This study examined indigenous knowledge strategies for promoting environmental sustainability in Emohua LGA, Rivers State. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 2,703 community leaders and members of community-based organizations in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. The sample size of the study was 346 respondents determined by using Krejcie and Morgan table of sample size determination.  This comprises 46 community leaders and 300 members of community-based organizations. The sample size was, however, selected using the proportionate stratified sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a self-designed questionnaire titled “Indigenous Knowledge Strategies For Promoting Environmental Sustainability Questionnaire”. The instrument was subjected to face and content validity by three experts. A test of internal consistency was carried out using the Cronbach Alpha method to determine the reliability of the instrument. Reliability coefficients of 0.72, 0.78 and 0.82, were obtained for the three clusters of the instrument respectively. The research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation statistics. The findings of the study revealed among others that community leaders and members of community-based organizations agree that the adoption of sacred forests and biodiversity conservation strategy promote environmental sustainability in Emohua LGA, Rivers State to a high extent. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that community leaders, environmental agencies, and government bodies should collaborate to legally recognize and protect sacred forests. Policies should be developed to prevent encroachment, deforestation, and illegal activities within these forests.