From Spiritism to Empiricism: Bridging the Western-Traditional Knowledge Divide with the Igbo Trado-Religious Practices of Arochukwu

Abstract

This study examines the Igbo trado-religious practices of Arochukwu, Nigeria, intending to bridge the divide between Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Western science in addressing environmental sustainability challenges. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research utilizes semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and literature review to analyze the ecological significance of Arochukwu's sacred market days, totemic beliefs, and herbal medicine practices. The findings reveal that Arochukwu's trado-religious practices embody sophisticated ecological knowledge systems that parallel Western scientific understanding in several aspects. The four-day market system demonstrates an acute awareness of spatial orientation, which aligns with natural cycles crucial for sustainable resource management. Totemic beliefs inadvertently contribute to biodiversity conservation, while herbal medicine practices represent a vast repository of pharmacological knowledge. The study recommends fostering collaborative research initiatives that meaningfully integrate TEK and Western science, embracing a multicultural approach that recognizes the strengths of both knowledge systems. Additionally, it advocates for establishing equitable data-sharing mechanisms, supporting Indigenous knowledge transmission, and integrating TEK into educational curricula and environmental policies.