The Potential for Counselling to Facilitate Intergenerational Dialogue and Knowledge Transfer Related to Land Rights, Traditional Practices and Sustainable Land Use in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/17092Keywords:
Intergenerational knowledge transfer, land rights, traditional practices, sustainable land use, counselling interventions, eco-counselling, cultural resilience, NigeriaAbstract
The transfer of knowledge between generations is crucial to maintaining traditional land rights, practices and sustainable land use in rural communities in Nigeria. This article explores the potential of extension intervention to facilitate intergenerational dialogue, transfer of sustainable land management knowledge and it argues that consultations can be a safe and inclusive platform to share experiences and exchange knowledge. It discusses the potential of narrative therapy and memory techniques to evoke and preserve traditional stories, wisdom and practical land-related stewardship. It emphasises the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge systems and culturally relevant practices into counselling interventions. It also highlights the role of counselling in addressing generational conflicts, trauma and historical land-related dispossession injustices.
References
Adebayo, A.A. 2019. “Land Tenure System and its Impact on Agricultural Development in Nigeria.” Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa 21(1): 45–58.
Adediran, A. and Olaniyan, A. 2019. “Sharia Law and Women’s Rights in Nigeria.” The Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law 51(1): 99–119.
Adegoke, N. 2017. “Land Ownership and Land Grabbing in Nigeria.” Beijing Law Review 8(2): 182–199.
Adeniyi, P.O. and Ologunorisa, T.E. 2014. “Climate Change, Environmental Degradation and Food Security in Nigeria.” International Journal of Food and Agricultural Economics 2(1): 15–35.
Aguilar-Støen, M. and Hirsch, C. 2017. “Securing Rights through Titles? The Uneven Promise of Land Formalization for Indigenous Communities in Antioquia, Colombia.” Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography 38(2): 224–241. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjtg.12194 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sjtg.12194
Akinola, O. 2013. “Land Tenure System in Nigeria: A Critical Review.” Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization 15: 67–72.
Akpan, E.O. and Umoh, O.J. 2016. “Intergenerational Transfer of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Rural Nigeria.” Journal of Environmental Management 169: 293–299.
Akpan, G.S. 2007. “Land Tenure Patterns and Practices in Nigeria: Implications for Food Security and Environmental Sustainability in the Niger Delta.” Land Reform Bulletin (1): 79–91.
Aluko, B.T. and Amidu, A.R. 2006. “Women and Land Rights Reforms in Nigeria.” In Proceedings of FIG 23rd International Congress, Accra, Ghana, March 8-11, 2006.
Arowosegbe, J.O. 2009. “Violence and National Development in Nigeria: The Political Economy of Youth Restiveness in the Niger Delta.” Review of African Political Economy 36(122): 575–594. https://doi.org/10.1080/03056240903346178 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03056240903346178
Aweto, A.O. 2015. “Traditional Land Tenure Systems and Soil Conservation Practices in Southwestern Nigeria.” Applied Geography 58: 89–98.
Ayoade, J.O. and Akintola, F.O. 1980. “Public Perception of Flood Hazard in Two Nigerian Cities.” Environment International 4(3): 227–280.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(80)90079-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(80)90079-3
Berkes, F. 2012. Sacred Ecology. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203123843 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203123843
Berkes, F., J. Colding, and C. Folke. 2000. “Rediscovery of Traditional Ecological Knowledge as Adaptive Management.” Ecological Applications 10(5): 1251–62. https://doi.org/10.1890/1051-0761(2000)010[1251:ROTEKA]2.0.CO;2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1890/1051-0761(2000)010[1251:ROTEKA]2.0.CO;2
Bowen, M. 1978. Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. New York: Jason Aronson.
Buzzell, L. and Chalquist, C. 2009. Ecotherapy: Healing with Nature in Mind. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books.
Connell, J.D., J. Eldridge, D. Massy, and F.T. Maestre. 2021. “Resilience of Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Implications for Sustainable Land Management in Arid Rangelands.” Land Degradation and Development 32(7): 2730–2742. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.137 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.137
Connell, R., Howitt, R., and Sheiner, R. 2021. “Indigenous Land Rights and Inter-Generational Transmission of Knowledge.” Australian Journal of Social Issues 56(1): 3–18.
Corey, G. 2020. Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Enhanced, 10th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Coulthard, G.S., McGregor, D., Whyte, K.P., Hopper, C., Bednasek, C. D. and Pemberton, S. 2020. “Learning from the Land: Indigenous Land-Based Pedagogy and Decolonization.” In Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Learning from Indigenous Practices for Environmental Sustainability, edited by Nelson, M.K. and Shilling, D. 2018. 149–170. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108552998 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108552998
Dabara, D. I., Omotoso, L., Chiwuzie, A. Omotehinshe, O. J. and Soladoye J. O. 2019. Land Tenure Systems and Agricultural Productivity in Gombe Nigeria. Madridge Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Science. 1(2), 51–59. https://doi.org/10.18689/mjaes-1000110 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18689/mjaes-1000110
Doss, C., Kovarik, C., Peterman, A., R. Quisumbing, A.R. and van den Bold, M. 2015. “Gender Inequalities in Ownership and Control of Land in Africa: Myth and Reality.” Agricultural Economics 46(3): 403–434. https://doi.org/10.1111/agec.12171 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/agec.12171
Ebo, A.A. and Akpan, W. 2018. “Formal and Informal Institutions in Land Governance in Nigeria.” Land Use Policy 75: 331–345.
Egan, G. 2014. The Skilled Helper: A Problem-Management and Opportunity-Development Approach to Helping. 10th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Egbuche, C.T. and Eze, J.N. 2019. “Indigenous Cultural Heritage Preservation in Igboland, Southeastern Nigeria.” Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development 9(4): 464–479.
Egirani, D.E. 2017. “The Relevance and Impact of Professional Counselling on Land Use and Management for Environmental Sustainability: The Benue Experience in Nigeria.” The IAFOR International Conference on Sustainability, Energy and the Environment – Hawaii 2017 Official Conference Proceedings
Erikson, E.H. 1950. Childhood and Society. New York: W.W. Norton and Company.
Erikson, E.H. 1963. Childhood and Society. 2nd ed. New York: W.W. Norton and Company.
Erikson, J.M. and Erikson, E.R. 2015. The Life Cycle Completed: Extended Version with New Chapters on the Ninth Stage of Development. New York: W.W. Norton and Company.
Etowa, E.B. and E.D. Nwiido. 2018. “Linking Land Use Choice with Land Access in Nigerian Agrarian Communities.” Journal of Land and Rural Studies 10(2): 278–295. https://doi.org/10.1177/23210249221093448 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23210249221093448
Ezenweke, E. O and Nwachukwu, C. C. 2023. “An Evaluation of the Role of Sacred Places in Conservation and Environmentalism.” Ohazurume: Unizik Journal of Culture and Civilization, 2(2):123–139.
Falola, T. and Matthew M.H. 2008. A History of Nigeria. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Federal Republic of Nigeria. 1999. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Federal Republic of Nigeria. 2004. Land Use Act. https://lawsofnigeria.placng.org/view2.php?sn=228
Gladding, S.T. 2018. Counselling: A Comprehensive Profession. 8th ed. London: Pearson.
Hogan, P.C. 2012. Counselling and the Therapeutic State. New York and London: Routledge.
Ibekwe, U.C., Ani, A.O. and Oladele, O.I. 2020. “Determinants of Farmers’ Access to Land Resources in Rural Nigeria.” Sustainability 12(5): 1909.
Ibitoye, O.A., Shittu, A.M. and Obayelu, A.E. 2019. “Determinants of Food Security Among Rural Farming Households in Ondo State, Nigeria.” Agricultura Tropica et Subtropica 52(1): 11–22.
Ityavyar, E.M. and Adamolekun, B.O. 2020. “Land Tenure and Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria: A Case Study of Borno State.” Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 18(2): 12–24.
Ivey, A.E., Ivey, M. B. and Zalaquett, C. P. 2018. Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client Development in a Multicultural Society. 9th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Iwobi, A.U. 2004. “Tiptoeing Through a Constitutional Minefield: The Great Sharia Controversy in Nigeria.” Journal of African Law 48(2): 111–164. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021855304482023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021855304482023
Jelavich, B. 1983. History of the Balkans: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Jordan, M. and Hinds, J. 2016. Ecotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice. Macmillan International. https://www.macmillanihe.com/page/detail/Ecotherapy/?K=9781137364898. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-48688-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-48688-2
Kegan, R. and Lahey, L.L. 2009. Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization. Cambridge: Harvard Business Press.
Kegan, R. 2016. The Evolving Self: Problem and Process in Human Development. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Kerr, M.E. and M. Bowen. 1988. Family Evaluation: An Approach Based on Bowen Theory. New York: W.W. Norton Company. https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393700565
Lastarria-Cornhiel, S. 1997. “Impact of Privatization on Gender and Property Rights in Africa.” World Development 25(8): 1317–1333. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(97)00030-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(97)00030-2
Maru, Y.T., Fletcher, C.S. and Chewings, V.H. 2012. “A Synthesis of Current Approaches to Traps Is Useful but Needs Rethinking for Indigenous Disadvantage and Poverty Research.” Ecology and Society 17(2): https://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol17/iss2/art7/ DOI: https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-04793-170207
Nguyen, T.T., Grote, U., Neubacher, F., Rahut, D.B., Do, M.H., Paudel, G.P. 2023 Security Risks from Climate Change and environmental Degradation: Implications for Sustainable Land Use Transformation in the Global South, Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 63 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877343523000696?via%3Dihub DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2023.101322
Nichols, M.P. and Schwartz, R.C. 2008. Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods. London: Pearson. https://www.pearson.com/en-us/subject-catalog/p/family-therapy-concepts-and-methods/P200000001566?view=educator&tab=instructor-resources
Nigeria Property Centre. 2024. “Land for Sale in Nigeria.” https://nigeriapropertycentre.com/for-sale/land/showtype
Nwoke, C.N. 2021. “The Role of Land in the Socioeconomic Development of Rural Communities in Nigeria.” African Journal of Rural Development 6(2): 87–100.
Nwosu, C. 2018. “Land Tenure System in Nigeria: Implications for Women’s Access to Land in Rural Communities.” International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Inventions 5(5): 4709–4716.
Obioha, E.E. 2008. “Changing Landownership Patterns and Their Impacts on Land Use and Livelihood in Southeastern Nigeria.” Anthropologist 10(1): 45–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/09720073.2008.11891028 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09720073.2008.11891028
Ogbazi, J.U. 2019. “Alternative Planning Approaches and the Sustainable Development of Rural Communities in Nigeria.” Habitat International 85: 21–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2019.01.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2019.01.003
Ogbu, O.N., and Okpoko, P.U. 2020. “Conflict Resolution and Mediation in Land Disputes in Rural Nigeria.” International Journal of Conflict Management 31(2): 165–182.
Ogbuewu, I.P., Odoemenam, V.U., Obikaonu, H.O., Opara, M.N., Emenalom, O.O., Uchegbu, M.C., Okoli, J.C., Esonu, B.O. and Iloeje, M.U. 2018. The Growing Importance of Local/Traditional Poultry Products in Nigeria: Major Constraints and Opportunities of Production.” International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 14(2): 1638–1646.
Obayelu, Abiodun E.; Arowolo, Aisha O.; and Osinowo, Olatokunbo H., “Land Tenure, Governance and Accountability in Nigeria: The Implications on Food Production to Feed the Present and the Future” (2017). Journal for the Advancement of Developing Economies. 33
Ogunsola, M.O. 1982. “The Role of Traditional Rulers in the Development of Rural Areas in Nigeria.” Quarterly Journal of Administration 16(3): 229–242.
Ojo, E.O. 2014. “Land Ownership in Nigeria: Historical Development, Current Issues, and Future Expectations.” Journal of Environment and Earth Science 4(21): 182–188.
Okafor, F.C. 2018. “Land Tenure System and Agricultural Development in Nigeria.” African Development Review 30(1): 21–30.
Okwu, O.J. 2017. “The Role of Land Ownership and Tenure Security in the Socioeconomic Development of Rural Nigeria.” International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 5(1): 387–396.
Olajide, O.A., Olayiwola, K.O. and Oluwatuyi, O.E. 2021. “Assessing the Impact of Land Use Change on Cultural Heritage Resources in Rural Communities in Nigeria.” Journal of Cultural Heritage 51: 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2021.09.003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2021.09.003
Olawale, S. 2019. “Spirituality and Land Tenure in Rural Nigeria.” Journal of Religion and Culture 12(2): 45–62.
Olayiwola, L.M. and Adeleye, O. 2005. “Land Reform Experience in Nigeria.” In Proceedings of the 5th FIG Regional Conference on Promoting Land Administration and Good Governance, Accra, Ghana, March 8–11.
Oluyede, P.A. 1989. Nigerian Land Law. Ibadan: Evans Brothers.
Onyekuru, N.A. and Marchant, R. 2014. “Assessing the Economic Impact of Climate Change on Forest Resource Use in Nigeria: A Ricardian Approach.” Forest Policy and Economics 46: 45–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2014.05.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2014.05.007
Onyema, E. 2020. “Cultural Identity and Land Rights in Rural Nigeria.” International Journal of Cultural Studies 15(2): 123–138.
Onyeneke, R.U., and Nwankwo, U.M. 2017. “Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into Modern Land Management Practices in Rural Nigeria.” Environment, Development, and Sustainability 19(4): 1253–1271.
Ostien, P. 2012. Sharia Implementation in Northern Nigeria 1999–2006: A Sourcebook. 4. Spectrum Books. https://doi.org/10.5771/0506-7286-2013-3-342 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5771/0506-7286-2013-3-342
Otubu, A. 2018. “Land Use Act and Land Tenure System in Nigeria: The Journey So Far.” Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy 9(1): 177–199.
Pecanac, K.E., and Thorne, S.E. 2021. “Fostering Intergenerational Dialogue in Health Care: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.” The Gerontologist 61(2): 256–264.
Prowse, A.A., Dixon, L.A. and Emery, J.L. 2022. “Preserving Indigenous Land Rights: The Role of Intergenerational Dialogue in Strengthening Community Resilience.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(4): 23–60.
Stamm, B.H., Stamm, H.E., Hudnall, A.C. and Higson-Smith, C. 2003. “Considering a Theory of Cultural Trauma and Loss.” Journal of Loss and Trauma 8(1): 89–111. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325020305876 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15325020490255412
Uchendu, V.C. 1967. The Igbo of Southeast Nigeria. Holt: Rinehart and Winston.
Ugonabo, C.U., Egolum, C.C. and R.O. Sado. 2023. “Nigerian Land Policy: Issues, Challenges and The Way Forward.” Global Journal of Politics and Law Research11(1):57–77. https://eajournals.org/gjplr/wpcontent/uploads/sites/36/2023/07/Nigerian-Land-Policy.pdf https://doi.org/10.37745/gjplr.2013/vol11n45777 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37745/gjplr.2013/vol11n45777
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. 2020. State of the World's Indigenous Peoples: Volume IV, Indigenous Peoples’ Access to Health Services. United Nations.
Ury, W. 1991. Getting Past No: Negotiating in Difficult Situations. New York: Bantam Books.
Wehrmann, B., 2017. “Understanding, Preventing and Solving Land Conflicts. A Practical Guide and Toolbox. Eltertstr: Schleunungdruck GmbH. https://www.escrnet.org/sites/default/files/landconflictsguide-web20170413.pdf
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
