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Modernization, Urbanization and The Decline of Traditional Climate Change Knowledge System in Toru Angiama Community of Bayelsa State
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Theatre and Cultural Management
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716669
Abstract
The effects of modernization and urbanization on the decline of traditional indigenous climate change knowledge systems in Toru-Angiama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, were investigated in this study. A qualitative descriptive research design was employed using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations to examine the effects of socio-economic transformation, formal education, technological development, and rural–urban migration on indigenous climate knowledge transmission. Guided by Modernization Theory and Cultural Ecology Theory, the study revealed that growing dependence on scientific forecasting systems, urban migration, and changes in livelihood patterns have significantly weakened the intergenerational transfer and practical application of traditional environmental knowledge. Although some elements of indigenous forecasting and adaptation practices are retained by older generations, their relevance is gradually diminishing among younger people. The study concludes that while modernization promotes development, it also contributes to the marginalization of indigenous climate adaptation systems. It recommends the documentation, integration, and policy recognition of indigenous knowledge as part of sustainable climate resilience strategies in Bayelsa State.
Keywords
Modernization, Urbanization, Indigenous Knowledge, Climate Change Adaptation, Cultural Ecology
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1716669,
author = {Anene Biboye, Dr. Philip J. Umaru, Prof. Amirikpa Oyigbenu},
title = {Modernization, Urbanization and The Decline of Traditional Climate Change Knowledge System in Toru Angiama Community of Bayelsa State},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {2489-2496},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1716669.pdf},
abstract = {The effects of modernization and urbanization on the decline of traditional indigenous climate change knowledge systems in Toru-Angiama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, were investigated in this study. A qualitative descriptive research design was employed using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations to examine the effects of socio-economic transformation, formal education, technological development, and rural–urban migration on indigenous climate knowledge transmission. Guided by Modernization Theory and Cultural Ecology Theory, the study revealed that growing dependence on scientific forecasting systems, urban migration, and changes in livelihood patterns have significantly weakened the intergenerational transfer and practical application of traditional environmental knowledge. Although some elements of indigenous forecasting and adaptation practices are retained by older generations, their relevance is gradually diminishing among younger people. The study concludes that while modernization promotes development, it also contributes to the marginalization of indigenous climate adaptation systems. It recommends the documentation, integration, and policy recognition of indigenous knowledge as part of sustainable climate resilience strategies in Bayelsa State.},
keywords = {Modernization, Urbanization, Indigenous Knowledge, Climate Change Adaptation, Cultural Ecology},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716669}
}