Since time immemorial, Africa has been rich in natural resources and sharing spiritual connections with nature. Indigenous practices having spiritual significance nurtured the African environment. Philosophers believe that Global industrial establishments and interference of western development and Eurocentric world views are responsible for the magnitude and severity of contemporary environmental crises in Africa. It resulted in changes in values, beliefs, and world views which altered their socio-ecological aspects of life and promoted extraction and exploitation of natural resources. Environmental crises seek a holistic approach for healing nature, new values that would stress individual and joint responsibility towards the environment and towards nurturing harmony between humanity and the environment. The traditional practice of resource utilization proved to be systematic which enabled lands to regenerate it and promote socio-cultural harmony among the community. This paper highlights the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality within African communities and explores the importance of African indigenous practices in environmental conservation.
Spirituality and environment: Significance of indigenous knowledge systems in Africa and challenges
Year: 2021
