October 3, 2024
By Maazị Iheanyi Igboko
Ndị Ìgbò are renowned for their profound wisdom, deeply entrenched in every aspect of their lives. Central to their worldview is the belief that the divine, represented by the concept of Chi, is involved in all human and environmental affairs. This wholistic perspective fosters a deep respect for animate and inanimate entities, encapsulating the Ìgbò cosmology’s embrace of balance, interconnection, and sustainability.
At the heart of this cosmology are the four elemental forces: ọkụ (fire), mmiri (water), anyanwụ (sun), and ikuku (air), each representing the fundamental principles that govern the Ìgbò understanding of existence. These forces correspond with the four market days—Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwo—of the Ìgbò traditional calendar. This alignment of natural forces with human activity is not accidental but deeply intentional, revealing the Ìgbò society’s commitment to living in harmony with the natural world.
A Culture Rooted in Environmental Stewardship
The Ìgbò proverb, “Ebe onye bi ka ọ na-awachi” (“One tends and nurtures the place where one resides”), exemplifies Ndị Ìgbò’s inherent sense of environmental responsibility. This principle underscores their belief in nurturing the environment and ensuring that they leave their habitat in a better state for future generations.
Historically, Ndị Ìgbò practised sustainability long before it became a global concern. They built their homes with mud and thatch, readily available, biodegradable, and eco-friendly materials. These natural resources provided insulation from the tropical heat and protection from the elements, all while maintaining a minimal carbon footprint. Their walls were often adorned with uli—a traditional form of artistic expression made from local plant dyes—further emphasising their intimate connection to nature.
Moreover, Ìgbò houses were plastered with cow dung, a natural insect repellent that kept away disease-carrying mosquitoes without chemical interventions. This traditional practice demonstrated an understanding of the environment and a sophisticated approach to disease prevention and health management, all while maintaining ecological balance.
Chi, Dual Complementarity, and Respect for the Environment
The Ìgbò belief in Chi, the personal deity or divine spark that every individual and entity possesses, extends to the environment. In the Ìgbò worldview, all living and non-living things, whether plants, animals, rivers, or even mountains, have a Chi. This belief fosters a profound respect for all life forms, promoting an ethic of care and responsibility.
This principle of dual complementarity—where every entity has its complement in nature—ensures that human actions are measured and considerate of their broader impact on the ecosystem. Ndị Ìgbò did not exploit their natural resources carelessly but approached their environment with the understanding that every action has consequences. Their rituals and festivals further reinforce this concept, many designed to honour the land, rivers, and skies that sustain life.
Lessons for Modern Environmental Sustainability
The Ìgbò approach to the environment offers valuable lessons for modern sustainability efforts. First, it emphasises the importance of living within the limits of natural systems. By utilising locally sourced and biodegradable materials, Ndị Ìgbò demonstrated a circular economy model, where waste is minimised, and resources are continually replenished.
Second, the Ìgbò respect for all life forms, including non-living entities, speaks to the need for a more inclusive understanding of the environment. Modern society often separates human activity from nature, leading to over-exploitation and environmental degradation. The Ìgbò worldview, on the other hand, promotes a sense of interdependence, recognising that the well-being of humans is inextricably linked to the health of the environment.
Third, the Ìgbò example of disease prevention through natural means, such as using cow dung to repel mosquitoes, demonstrates that traditional knowledge systems can offer effective, sustainable alternatives to modern practices that rely heavily on chemicals and industrial processes. By revisiting and adapting these traditional methods, the world can reduce adverse contemporary environmental and health impacts.
Indigenous Wisdom for a Sustainable Future
In an age of climate change and environmental concerns, the Ìgbò experience offers a model for how human societies can live sustainably and harmoniously with the natural world. The deep-rooted cultural practices, guided by respect for the divine in all things and a commitment to environmental stewardship, present a blueprint for sustainable living.
As the global community grapples with the challenges of environmental degradation, the Ìgbò philosophy reminds us that sustainability is not a new concept. Rather, it is a way of life practiced for centuries by Ndị Ìgbò. Learning from these ancient wisdoms and integrating them with modern innovations will help build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Maazị Igboko is the Director of the Centre for Memories – Ncheta Ndigbo. He will participate in a two-week immersion at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. This article is from his winning entry.
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