The Role of Africa’s Moral Education in Environmental Care for Socio-economic Development in Contemporary Society

Carolyne S. Mudeje Buya, Elizabeth J. Katam
Pwani University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10708
Received: 21 June 2023; Accepted: 30 June 2023; Published: 31 July 2023

Abstract: This paper examines African moral education and its role in environmental care for Socioeconomic development in Africa. This is informed by the observation that the moral system in African society permeated every aspect of life and viewed economic development in the light of human welfare. African cultural heritage has human welfare at its core and is not limited to people in actual existence but those departed too, yet believed to reside in nature. As such, care for the environment was part and parcel of people’s beliefs as informed by the interrelated nature of every component that constitutes the universe. The paper begins by exploring the key elements of indigenous African moral education and how it impacted environmental responsibility and development initiatives in the various communities. A reasonable way forward for enhancing environmental care for socio-economic development in contemporary Africa, through learning institutions, is advanced. This paper is theoretical in nature but will also make reference to actual scenarios in society in order to substantiate any claims made. The philosophical method of analysis, and evaluation of documented information has been utilized.

Key words: Africa’s moral education, environmental care, nature, socio-economic development.

I. Introduction

Socio-economic development is an achievement of global concern in contemporary society. Its realization can however be threatened where the tenets for sustaining a clean and healthy planet are not seriously pursued. World over, there is environmental degradation and climate change crisis which has over the years necessitated constant calls by the United Nations (UN) for governments, corporate organizations and individual citizens to join hands in addressing environmental concerns. For example, in the 2012 UN conference on sustainable development, governments agreed to adopt the green economy as an integral tool for sustainable development, while enhancing a healthy earth’s ecosystem. In 2015, the UN developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) which came into full force in 2016. Goal 13 on Climate action is intended for urgent action to combat climate change and its effects. In 2021, the UK hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and bold commitments towards mitigating climate change were made (https://ukcop26.org/). For example, countries committed to halting and reversing deforestation and land degradation by 2030 (https://ukcop26.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/COP26-Presidency-Outcomes-The-Climate-Pact.pdf). The 2022 World Earth Day that was held on 22nd April was themed “Invest in our Planet” (https://sdg.iisd.org/events/earth-day-2022/) and centered on building healthy cities, countries and economies.