Re-orientation of Indigenous Environmental Health Norms through Contemporary Religious Institutions in Mara Region in Tanzania and Coast Province of Kenya
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Date
2004
Authors
Nyaga, S. N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Joypet Sevices & Printers Ltd.
Abstract
This paper underscores that sustainable environmental health education among African communities requires a shift of perceptions, which are based on people s environmental health norms. The polemic assesses the possibility of using contemporary environmental health education to conscietize religious communities on suitable environmental health ideals through socio-religious institutions.
The paper starts with a highlight of cross cutting cosmological and environmental health beliefs and norms among two communities; concept of good health, causes of sickness and methods of health care practices. Major environmental health
challenges are identified, and implications on sustainable holistic development. The paper then examines how environmental health values; beliefs and norms are disseminated in the indigenous communities and possible ways of using contemporary religious institutions to re-orientate them towards sustainable environmental health practices. In this regard attention is given on formal and informal environmental health education disseminated in religious institutions, eBOs and NGOs. Appropriate intervention measures are recommended.
Description
This paper was presented at the International workshop on ‘Environmental Health Education in the East African Region’ 24th - 26th March 2004 held at Kenyatta University Nairobi, Kenya
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Citation
International workshop on ‘Environmental Health Education in the East African Region’ 24th - 26th March 2004