Authors :
Tatah Jean-Louis Banadzem; George Agri Ambukwa
Volume/Issue :
Volume 7 - 2022, Issue 1 - January
Google Scholar :
http://bitly.ws/gu88
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3skbEdx
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6291303
Abstract :
The study was designed to investigate the link
between forestand cultural practices linked to it in the
Ngongbaa, Kovifem and Kovkinkar forests. Data and/or
information collected for this study comprised literary,
questionnaire, interview, observation and focused group
discussions. Information was sort from persons directly
involved in the management of forests in the 18 villages
of the study including afon(Kings), lanlords, village
heads, traditional medical practitioners, carvers, wood
harvesters, wild honey extractors, bee farmers etc. The
findings show a strong inextricable win-win link between
the Nso and Mbiame people and their forest. Some
portions of the forest are carved out as shrines and
sacred forest. Which host spirits of ancestors, where
afonand/or landlords (ataangvem) perform sacrifices as a
form of respect and homage to their ancestors in
exchange for peace, health, abundant harvest and
harmony in the family and community. The rich biota of
the Ngongbaa, Kovifem and Kovkinkar forests, with
more than 405 endemic plant species, approximately 77
species of mammals,150 species of birds with 53 species,
has contributed enormously to the rich and diverse
cultureof theNso and Mbiame. The nature of cultural
activity is determined to a large extent by the type of
forest resources linked to it. Some cultural activities are
sustainable due to the existence of related resources in
the forest, while others have declined to their lowest ebb
due to the depletion of related forest resources. The
paper suggests that the state should assist the local
communities to fence the forest and reintroduce extinct
wildlife species, to sustain cultural practices dependent
on them. The state and environmental interest groups
could also reform the forestry/wildlife policy to integrate
the quasi-statutory land tenure policies and support local
initiatives designed to restore degraded forests to
maintain biodiversity, preserve and perpetuate
indigenous Knowledge and culture.
Keywords :
Forest, Culture, Shrines, Sacred Forest, Relationships, and Montane Forest.
The study was designed to investigate the link
between forestand cultural practices linked to it in the
Ngongbaa, Kovifem and Kovkinkar forests. Data and/or
information collected for this study comprised literary,
questionnaire, interview, observation and focused group
discussions. Information was sort from persons directly
involved in the management of forests in the 18 villages
of the study including afon(Kings), lanlords, village
heads, traditional medical practitioners, carvers, wood
harvesters, wild honey extractors, bee farmers etc. The
findings show a strong inextricable win-win link between
the Nso and Mbiame people and their forest. Some
portions of the forest are carved out as shrines and
sacred forest. Which host spirits of ancestors, where
afonand/or landlords (ataangvem) perform sacrifices as a
form of respect and homage to their ancestors in
exchange for peace, health, abundant harvest and
harmony in the family and community. The rich biota of
the Ngongbaa, Kovifem and Kovkinkar forests, with
more than 405 endemic plant species, approximately 77
species of mammals,150 species of birds with 53 species,
has contributed enormously to the rich and diverse
cultureof theNso and Mbiame. The nature of cultural
activity is determined to a large extent by the type of
forest resources linked to it. Some cultural activities are
sustainable due to the existence of related resources in
the forest, while others have declined to their lowest ebb
due to the depletion of related forest resources. The
paper suggests that the state should assist the local
communities to fence the forest and reintroduce extinct
wildlife species, to sustain cultural practices dependent
on them. The state and environmental interest groups
could also reform the forestry/wildlife policy to integrate
the quasi-statutory land tenure policies and support local
initiatives designed to restore degraded forests to
maintain biodiversity, preserve and perpetuate
indigenous Knowledge and culture.
Keywords :
Forest, Culture, Shrines, Sacred Forest, Relationships, and Montane Forest.