Africa’s unparalleled biodiversity is under threat from habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change, challenges that transcend ecological concerns and impact the continent’s socio-economic and cultural fabric. Conventional wildlife preservation strategies, often rooted in Western conservation paradigms, have struggled to address these interconnected issues effectively. This paper contends that African indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices offer transformative solutions to these challenges, bridging the gap between environmental preservation and cultural sustainability. Using Nigeria and Kenya as case studies, this research explores how indigenous cultural values, such as Nigeria’s communal land management traditions and Kenya’s sacred wildlife conservation practices, can inform sustainable and inclusive approaches to wildlife preservation. The study draws on qualitative analysis of traditional ecological practices, legislative frameworks, and case studies of community-driven conservation efforts. It highlights the Ogoni people’s environmental stewardship in Nigeria and the Maasai’s coexistence with wildlife in Kenya as models for integrating cultural heritage with ecological resilience. The findings underscore that indigenous African knowledge systems provide holistic, ethical, and adaptive strategies for addressing modern conservation challenges. By aligning these cultural insights with contemporary governance structures, African nations can champion innovative solutions that not only protect biodiversity but also uphold the values and livelihoods of local communities.
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