African Indigenous Knowledge and Eco-Philosophies

Abstract This article explores the theological dimensions of African Indigenous Knowledge ( AIK ) and eco-philosophies, examining their role in shaping postcolonial African communities. It investigates the sacred interplay between indigenous ecological wisdom and spiritual worldviews, highlighting how these traditions inform contemporary conservation practices and community resilience. By framing nature as a sacred trust and emphasising the interconnectedness of all life, these philosophies resonate with theological principles of creation care and divine immanence. The study makes a public theological contribution by arguing that AIK and African eco-philosophies offer a vital resource for addressing ecological degradation and its intersection with postcolonial injustices. It examines how indigenous spiritual-ecological ethics can be integrated into the life and witness of African churches and wider society, fostering a just and sustainable future. The study advocates for a paradigm shift that integrates African indigenous ethics into mainstream conservation, calling for renewed theological engagement with these traditions.