Managing Environmental Degradation Using Traditional, Cultural and Spiritual Strategies the Tale of Dagaaba and Birifor People

Abstract

The environmental laws seem not to be effective in protecting the environment. The article looked at alternative ways of protecting the environment from stressors and disturbances. It utilized personal observation, narration, and primary data from the role traditional/cultural strategies play in environmental conservation in the Dagaaba and Birifor communities. Findings revealed individuals with Dagaaba and Birifor background have rich indigenous cultural systems which facilitate environmental conservation of different ecosystems. This paper concludes that environmental taboos (i.e., cultural norms, values and traditions) and the fear of the wrath of the gods (i.e., beliefs and spiritualism) have enhanced the conservation of some portions of the land for the people of Dagaaba and Birifor. However, this approach is not effective in minimizing bushfires, considering the fire’s propensity to escalate and extend from one community to the other. The traditional/cultural/spiritual strategies can be adopted to minimize illegal mining which is currently destroying the forest reserves, land, air and water bodies, among other ecosystems in Ghana. These strategies are effective in managing environmental degradation.