Indigenous Folklores as a Tool of Transformative Learning for Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria

Unsustainable environmental practices abound even with efforts majorly concentrated on formal strategies. However, there are local strategies such as indigenous folklores frequently used by elderly women which can be transformative. The study assessed Yoruba folklores as a potential tool for promoting transformative learning with regards to environmental sustainability. It employed a cross-sectional survey design involving 200 elderly females in ten communities of the Ondo North Senatorial District. The six research questions raised for the study were answered descriptively using a 15 item questionnaire. Among other things, the findings revealed that environmentally inclined indigenous folklores have the potential to create a conscious and critical reflection of environmental situations as well as help develop action plan towards environmental sustainability. Additionally, it was recommended that folklores should be incorporated into all efforts towards environmental sustainability with the support of elderly women.
Elizabeth Aanuoluwapo Ajayi is a doctoral student at the University of Benin and a lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria (elizabeth.ajayi@aaua.edu.ng).
Adekunle Olatumile is a lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria (adekunle.olatumile@aaua.edu.ng).