Open AccessIndigenous Education in Environmental Management and Conservation in Ghana: The Role of Folklore
Author(s) -
Martin Q. Amlor,
Matthew Q. Alidza
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of environment and ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2157-6092
DOI - 10.5296/jee.v7i1.9705
Subject(s) - indigenous , folklore , deforestation (computer science) , traditional knowledge , natural resource , environmental degradation , agriculture , natural (archaeology) , environmental ethics , geography , environmental planning , dumping , political science , environmental protection , development economics , business , natural resource economics , environmental resource management , ecology , law , economics , archaeology , philosophy , computer science , international trade , biology , programming language
Studies into indigenous knowledge of African societies and their eco-system , and complemented by western research findings in recent years, point to a common fact that there is a complex interrelation between humans, animals, plants and their physical environment For this reason, Ghanaian societies enforce cultural laws that ensure protection and management of their natural resources. Despite the merits associated with African endowed natural environments, it is scary to note that to date, Ghana still faces serious environmental threats among which are: deforestation, annual bushfires, illegal surface mining, poor farming practices, unconventional methods of dumping human/industrial wastes and pollution of water bodies. This paper therefore attempts to investigate the causes of environmental degradation in Ghana and demonstrate how the people’s folklore can contribute to ensuring a well-conserved environment that can benefit the country’s present and future generations.