Conflicts in Ancestry and Alien Urban Climate Governance Strategies: The Metaphor of a Successful Paradox in Igboland, Nigeria
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): John D. Njoku, Francis Vincent C. Njoku
Tags: 2025 Nigeria Federal University of Technology Owerri Francis Vincent Njoku John Njoku
Abstract
In southern Nigeria, city climate governance strategies are in transition, and showed conflicts of alien and ancestry cultures, norms and mores. As cities grow, expand and metamorphose to bigger urban milieu, the micro and macro climates vary and change overtime. The city infrastructures and amenities exemplify admixture of alien and ancestral objects and practices. The origin of these changes is suspected to be introductions and conflicts between these objects, cultures and practices. This has affected livability and livelihood in the aforementioned cities, whereby perception of the livability and variation of climate in influenced by what facilities and amenities are available. In some cities, earthen pots are used for cooling water, while in others refrigerators are used. Similarly, there are cities where native houses, constructed with local materials exist side by side with modern houses with ceiling fans. This creates dichotomy between cities and makes problematic the classification and comparison of cities, qualities of social amenities and physical infrastructure. Indigenous knowledge was assessed, aliens who introduced the cultures were determined and historical records were consulted to confirm the origin and extent of the coexistence and duality. Results revealed that patronage is determined by income level and status, cultures of residents, academic and extent of qualifications, etc. it also revealed the failure of governance in determination of standards and definitions of what constitutes livelihood in the city. Quality of life of city residents are uncertain and lacks definitive variables. It calls for more studies to decipher the extent of influence on livability of residents and perception of climatic variation as it affects urban residents.
5 views