An Ethnographic Study of the Challenge of Anthropocene on Traditional Ecology of Autochthonous Communities of North East Yoruba Land and its impact.

Abstract

The study explores anthropocene on the ecology of autochthonous communities of North East Yoruba land. It discusses how human beings have significantly altered and are altering the natural ecosystem of the area. It assesses the interconnectivity between the environment and society and the danger posed by the destruction of the ecosystem in contemporary traditional societies of north eastern part of Yoruba land. The study involves a twelve-month period of ethnographic insertion, during which the researcher lived within carefully selected North East Yoruba communities that were acclaimed by indigenes as maintaining pristine aspects of the culture. This timeframe enabled the researcher to critically examine the ecological variables and establish evidence of continuity and change. Data indicate that the world is experiencing monumental global anthropocene period which has led to massive ecological degradation and our planet is in great danger of been imperiled. Findings of the research show that traditional communities of North East Yoruba land are subjected to immense environmental crises, which the study describes as ecocide. The study emphasises human activities which cause damage directly or indirectly to the environment. The study concludes that anthropogenic activities are pronounced in North East Yoruba land. It calls for attitudinal change, promotion of environmental behaviour and sustainable use of earth’s resources.