Article

Article name TRADITIONAL COSMOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION AT THE BOMFOBIRI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY OF GHANA
Authors

Dickson Adom, Researcher in Cultural Anthropology and Nature Conservation, Department of General Art Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Kumasi, Ghana); e-mail: adomdick@yahoo.com

Reference to article

Adom D. 2018. Traditional cosmology and nature conservation at the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary of Ghana. Nature Conservation Research 3(1): 35–57. https://dx.doi.org/10.24189/ncr.2018.005

Section Research articles
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.24189/ncr.2018.005
Abstract

Cosmological belief systems play significant roles in the conservation of the biodiversity of the residents in the Kumawu Traditional Area of Ghana. It is regrettable to realise that they have been unjustly labeled as an obstacle to scientific progression, resulting in their low voice in the nature conservation initiatives in the area. Thus, the research was aimed at unearthing the conservation ethos of the cosmological belief systems, while justifying with substantial facts, why they must be utilised in modern conservation initiatives. A phenomenological study using Focus Group Discussions, personal interviews and direct observations assisted in the gathering of qualitative data which was rigorously analysed via data analysis spiral approach. The findings revealed that cosmological belief systems greatly influence the attitudes of the residents in the Kumawu Traditional Area toward the natural resource conservation in the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The study contends that nature conservation planners in Ghana must look in-depth into the cosmological belief systems in the area and tag them as a potential traditional biodiversity strategy and as a complement to the conventional scientific models to halt the menace of biodiversity depletion in the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

Keywords

behavioural attitudes, biodiversity, Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary, conservation, cosmological belief systems, Kumawu Traditional Area, nature

Artice information

Received: 14.08.2017

The full text of the article
References

Population and Housing Census. 2010. District Analytical Report. Sekyere Afram District. Ghana Statistical Service, 2014. 82 p.
Abrams N.E., Primack J.R. 2001. Cosmology and 21st-Century Culture. Science 293(5536): 1769–1770. DOI: 10.1126/science.1063090
Adom D. 2014. General Knowledge in Art for Senior High Schools. Kumasi: Adom Series Publications Limited
Adom D. 2016a. Asante Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Repositories of Conservation Ethics for Ghana's Biodiversity. In: Sub-Sahara Indigenous Knowledge and New Discoveries in the New Millennium: Interdisciplinary Approach. Vol. 7(2). Sokoto, Nigeria: Uthman Danfodio University. P. 8–36.
Adom D. 2016b. Inclusion of Local People and Their Cultural Practices in Biodiversity Conservation: Lessons from Successful Nations. American Journal of Environmental Protection 4(3): 67–78. DOI: 10.12691/env-4-3-2
Adom D., Kquofi S., Asante E.A. 2016. The High Impacts of Asante Indigenous Knowledge In Nature Conservation Issues In Ghana: The Case Of The Abono And Essumeja Townships In Ashanti Region. British Journal of Environmental Sciences 4(3): 63–78.
Adu-Gyamfi M. 2011. Indigenous Beliefs and Practices in Ecosystem Conservation: Response of the Church. Scriptura 107: 145–155.
Aikenhead G., Masakata O. 2007. Indigenous Knowledge and Science Revisited. Cultural Studies of Science Education 2: 539–620. DOI: 10.1007/s11422-007-9067-8
Amponsah K. 1977. Topics on West African Traditional Religion, Vol. 1. Accra: Adwinasa Publications Limited.
Awuah-Nyamekye S. 2013. Managing the Environmental Crisis in Ghana: The Role of African Traditional Religion and Culture- A Case Study of Berekum Traditional Area. Doctoral Thesis. Leeds, UK: University of Leeds. 249 p.
Battiste M. 2002. Indigenous Knowledge and Pedagogy in First Nations Education. A Literature Review with Recommendations. Ottawa, Canada: National Working Group on Education & Indian and Northern Affairs. 33 p.
Bergmann S., Gerten D. (Eds.). 2010. Religion and Dangerous Environmental Change: Transdisciplinary Perspectives on the Ethics of Climate and Sustainability. Berlin: LIT Verlag. 256 p.
Boamah A. D. 2015. Akan Indigenous Religio-Cultural Beliefs and Environmental Preservation: The Role of Taboos. Master's Thesis. Canada: Queens University. 59 p.
Boateng B.A. 1998. Traditional conservation practices: Ghana's Example. Research Review 14(1): 42–51
Bowie F. 2006. The Anthropology of Religion: An Introduction. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. 344 p.
Chalk J.R. 2006. Genesis 1–11 and the African Worldview: Conflict or Conformity? PhD Thesis. Pretoria: University of South Africa. 278 p.
Cosmology Blog. 2008. Cosmology and Anthropology: Toward a Definition. Available from: http://timeo-habla.blogspot.ru/2008/09/cosmology-and-anthropologytowards.html. Retrieved on 26.11.2017.
Creswell J.W. 2009. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 3rd ed. USA: SAGE Publications, Inc. 296 p.
Cunningham S. 1985. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. London: Llewellyn Publications. 318 p.
Diawuo F., Issifu A.K. 2015. Exploring the African Traditional Belief Systems in Natural Resource Conservation and Management in Ghana. Journal of Pan African Studies 8(9): 115–131.
Ens E., Scott M.L., Rangers Y.M., Moritz C., Pirzl R. 2016. Putting Indigenous Conservation Policy into Practice Delivers Biodiversity and Cultural Benefits. Biodiversity and Conservation 25(14): 2889–2906. DOI 10.1007/s 10531-016-1207-6
Eshun E.K. 2011. Religion and Nature in Akan Culture: A Case Study of Okyeman Environment Foundation. Master's Thesis. Ontario, Canada: Queens University Kingston. 56 p.
Fraenkel J., Wallen N., Hyun H. 2012. How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (8th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Education. 704 p.
Fershtman C., Gneezy U., Hoffman M. 2011. Taboos and Identity: Considering the Unthinkable. American Economic Journal: Microeconomics 3(2): 139–164.
Gamble F. 2016. What is Worldview and Why is it Important? Available from: http://www.thrivemovement.com/what-worldview-and-why-it-important. Retrieved on 05.08.2016.
Gbolonyo J.S.K. 2009. Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Values in Ewe Musical Practice: Their Traditional Roles and Place in Modern Society. PhD Thesis. Pittsburgh, USA: University of Pittsburgh. 585 p.
Gifford R., Kormos C., McIntyre A. 2011. Behavioural Dimensions of Climate Change: Drivers, Responses, Barriers, and Interventions. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change 2(6): 801–827. DOI: 10.1002/wcc.143
G'Nece J. 2012. The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge and Good Governance to Ensuring Effective Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessments. Maryland, USA: ISTF News. 19 p.
Grenier L. 1998. Working with Indigenous Knowledge: A Guide for Researchers. Ottawa: International Development Research Centre. 100 p.
Grim J.A. (Ed.). 2001. Indigenous Traditions and Ecology: The Interbeing of Cosmology and Community. Cambridge: Center for the Study of World Religions. 824 p.
Gruca M., van Andel T.R., Balslev H. 2014. Ritual Uses of Palms in Traditional Medicine in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 10: 60. DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-10-60
Gyekye K. 1996. African Cultural Values: An Introduction. Accra: Sankofa Publishing Company. 194 p.
Golo B.W.K., Yaro J.A. 2013. Reclaiming Stewardship in Ghana: Religion and Climate Change. Nature and Culture 8(3): 282–300. DOI: 10.3167/nc.2013.080304
Hedlund-de Witt A. 2013. Worldviews and the Transformation to Sustainable Societies. PhD Thesis. Amsterdam: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. 364 p.
Infield M., Mugisha A. 2013. Culture, Values and Conservation: A Review of Perspectives, Policies and Practices. Cambridge, UK: Fauna and Flora International. 28 p.
Iyoro A.O., Ogungbo W.O. 2013. Management of Indigenous Knowledge as a Catalyst Towards Improved Information Accessibility to Local Communities: A Literature Review. Chinese Librarianship: An International Electronic Journal 35: URL: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl3510.pdf
Kehinde O. 2013. African Religion and Environmental Dynamics. Journal of Studies in Social Sciences 4(2): 199–212.
Kumekpor K.B. 2002. Research Methods & Techniques of Social Research. Ghana: SonLife Printing Press and Services. 304 p.
Leach E. 1982. Social Anthropology. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. 254 p.
Leedy P.D., Ormrod J.E. 2010. Practical Research: Planning and Design (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. 336 p.
Little Bear L. 2000. Jagged worldviews collide. In: M. Battiste (Ed.): Reclaiming indigenous voice and vision. Vancouver, Canada: UBC Press. P. 77–85.
Mapira J., Mazambara P. 2013. Indigenous Knowledge Systems and their implications for Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa 15(5): 90–106.
Milton K. 1996. Environmentalism and Culture Theory: Exploring the Role of Anthropology in Environmental Discourse. London: Routledge Taylor and Francis Group. 276 p.
Msuya T.S., Kideghesho J.R. 2009. The Role of Traditional Management Practices in Enhancing Sustainable Use and Conservation of Medicinal plants in West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. Tropical Conservation Science 2(1): 88–105. DOI: 10.1177/194008290900200109
Museka G., Madondo M.M. 2012. The Quest for a Relevant Environmental Pedagogy in the African Context: Insights form Unhu/Ubuntu Philosophy. Journal of Ecology and the Natural Environment 4(10): 258–265. DOI: 10.5897/JENE12.052
Myers M.D. (Ed.). 2008. Qualitative Research in Business and Management. London: SAGE Publications. 296 p.
Nachmias F.C., Nachmias D. 1992. Research Methods in Social Sciences. 4th ed. New York : St. Martin's Press. 576 p.
NBSAP. 2015. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan: Fifth National Report to the CBD 2015. Brasilia: Ministry of the Environment, Secretariat of Biodiversity and Forests, Center for Information and Documentation, Federal Republic of Brazil. 231 p.
Opoku K.A. 1978. West African Traditional Religion. Singapore: FEP International Private Ltd. 182 p.
Our Worldviews. 2016. Introduction. Available from: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b690/Curriculum/socialstudies/ourworldview-8/ss_ourwvs8/Attachments/a_student_text/SS8SB002.pdf. Retrieved on 26.11.2017.
Pope C., Ziebland S., Mays N. 2000. Analysing Qualitative Data. British Medical Journal 320(7227): 114–116.
Pretty J., Adams B., Berkes F., Ferriera de Athayde S., Dudley N., Hunn E., Maffi L., Milton K., Rapport D., Robbins P., Sterling E., Stoltin S., Tsing A., Vintinner E., Pilgrim S. 2009. The Intersections of Biological Diversity and Cultural Diversity: Toward Integration. Conservation and Society 7(2): 100–112. DOI: 10.4103/0972-4923.58642
Rattray R.S. 1916. Ashanti Proverbs: The Primitive Ethics of a Savage People. Oxford: The Clarendon Press. 190 p.
Reichel E. 2005. Cosmology. In: B. Taylor, J. Kaplan (Eds.): The Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature. London: Thoemmes Continuum. P. 420–425.
Reuter J. 2013. Values and Worldviews. In: J. Reuter (Ed.): Diagnosing and Engaging with Complex Environmental Problems. P. 62–64.
Rim-Rukeh A., Irerhievwie G., Agbozu I.E. 2013. Traditional Beliefs and Conservation of Natural Resources: Evidences From Selected Communities in Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation 5(7): 426–432. DOI: 10.5897/IJBC2013.0576
Schlitz M.M., Vieten C., Miller E.M. 2010. Worldview Transformation and The Development of Social Consciousness. Journal of Consciousness Studies 17(7–8): 18–36.
Schiffman L., Bednall D., O'Cass A., Palandino A., Ward S., Kanuk L. 2008. Consumer Behaviour (4th ed.). Frenchs Forest, Australia: Pearson Education. 664 p.
Shastri C.M., Bhat D.M., Nagaraja B.C., Murali K.S., Ravindranath N.H. 2002. Tree Species Diversity in a Village Ecosystem in Uttara Kannada District in Western Ghats, Karnataka. Current Science 82: 1080–1084.
Smith E.A., Wishnie M. 2000. Conservation and Subsistence in Small-Scale Societies. Annual Review of Anthropology 29: 493–524. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.anthro.29.1.493
Soini K., Dessein J. 2016. Culture-Sustainability Relation: Towards a Conceptual Framework. Sustainability 8(2): 167. DOI: 10.3390/su8020167
Taringa N. 2006. How Environmental is African Traditional Religion? Exchange 35(2): 191–214. DOI: 10.1163/157254306776525672
Traditional Lifestyles and Biodiversity Use Regional Report. 2003. Composite report on the status and trends regarding the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities. Regional report: Africa. Prepared for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Project number: 1248. UNEP-WCMC.
Uphoff N. 1992. Local Institutions and Participation for Sustainable Development. Washington D.C.: International Institute for Environment and Development. 16 p.
Van Asselt M.B.A., Rothmans J. 1996. Uncertainty in Perspective. Global Environmental Change 6(2): 121–157. DOI: 10.1016/0959-3780(96)00015-5
Vidal C. 2008. Wat is een wereldbeeld? In: H. Van Belle, J. van der Veken (Eds.): Nieuwheid Denken. De Wetenschappen En Het Creatieve Aspect Van De Werkelijkheid. Leuven: Acco. P. 71–85.
Wilder B.T., O'Meara C., Monti L., Nabhan G.P. 2016. The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge in Curbing the Loss of Language and Biodiversity. BioScience 66(6): 449–509. DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biw026
Yronwode C. 2002. Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic: A Materia Magica of African-American Conjure. 4th ed. California: Lucky Mojo Curio Company. 224 p.