INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE, ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, AND RURAL LIVELIHOOD IN NIGERIA: A GEOGRAPHER'S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The study examined the role of Indigenous knowledge, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihood in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on its contributions to soil conservation, water management, climate adaptation, and livelihood diversification across different ecological zones. The aim was to assess the relevance, strengths, and limitations of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing contemporary environmental challenges while identifying opportunities for their integration with modern scientific approaches. Findings revealed that indigenous practices are highly context-specific, culturally embedded, and effective in enhancing environmental management and community resilience; however, their continued relevance is constrained by modernization, inadequate documentation, and limited incorporation into formal policy frameworks. The study concludes that indigenous knowledge remains a valuable and practical resource for sustainable environmental management and rural development in Nigeria, but its long-term effectiveness depends on proper preservation and integration with modern systems. It is therefore recommended that government agencies and policymakers integrate indigenous knowledge into environmental and development policies, that systematic documentation be carried out through research institutions and digital platforms to preserve and disseminate such knowledge.