Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences

Year: 2007
Volume: 4
Issue: 6
Page No. 725 - 738

The Role of Indigenous/Local Knowledge in Sustaining Environmental Quality and its Implications for Environmental Education Teaching

Authors : M. Mosothwane

Abstract: This study examines strategies, which local people in Southern Botswana use to sustain their environment. Data were collected from ten people of ages ranging from 19-75 years through detailed interviews and open discussion. The participants included 2 traditional leaders, 2 elderly women, 2 elderly men and 4 youth. The wide range of ages represented a sample of people who had a deep knowledge and understanding of the environment. The findings of the study indicate that elders view local knowledge as the backbone for sustaining the environment, while youth view local knowledge as useful but not a scientific way of sustaining the environment. From the elders� perspective, local knowledge concerning the environment should be included in the school curriculum especially environmental education to enable the youth to learn how the environment was sustained and how environmental quality was maintained in the past. It is shown that indigenous knowledge is not lost and environmental quality is maintained so that future generations continue to use the resources sustainably.

How to cite this article:

M. Mosothwane , 2007. The Role of Indigenous/Local Knowledge in Sustaining Environmental Quality and its Implications for Environmental Education Teaching . Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 4: 725-738.

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