Abstract
It is an indisputable truism that in a fragile and conflict-affected setting with limited governance, political instability and visionless leadership, communities are ill-equipped to cope with a changing climate and associated environmental hazards. Although there have being numerous discourses on climate change and the consequent environmental hazards, still a call for proactive approach to halt the envisaged ruin is indispensible. This paper, therefore, is a clarion call on African researchers to delve into their own indigenous science systems for proactive approaches towards addressing climate change crisis. Unfortunately, one major challenge that may likely bedevil this call is the erroneous believe that most African traditional ideas and practices are fetish. This paper argues that climate science, like other branches of knowledge, needs to be broadened and decolonized; that Africa should search within its own knowledge systems for appropriate ideas and approaches to many of its development challenges. In fact, it examines how our growing vulnerability could be addressed through the collaboration of western science/environmental education with relevant indigenous science in Africa. The effects of climate change and environmental hazards on the socio-economic activities in Africans is also reviewed. In conclusion, the paper notes that environmental and socio-economic effects of climate change on Africans include poor health, poverty, increased migration, food scarcity, the occurrence of crime or violence, as well as displacement. However, it expresses optimism that indigenous knowledge and practice can contribute towards managing natural resource management, environmental protection and climate change adaptation in Africa.
Presenters
Philip EgbuleLecturing/Researching, Department of Social Science Education, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta, Nigeria
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Human Impacts and Responsibility
KEYWORDS
CLIMATE SCIENCE, CLIMATE CHANGE, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS, AFRICAN INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
