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Indigenous ecological knowledge of Nigerian communities on plant responses to environmental stressors

Adekemi Omolayo Faboyede 1, * and Alaba Olusunmisire Simpson 2

1 Department of Biological Sciences, Crawford University, Faith City. Igbesa. Ogun State.  Nigeria. West Africa.
2 Department of Social Sciences, Crawford University, Faith City, Igbesa. Ogun State. Nigeria. West Africa.
 
Review
International Journal of Frontiers in Science and Technology Research, 2025, 08(02), 016-023.
Article DOI: 10.53294/ijfstr.2025.8.2.0026
Publication history: 
Received on 10 May 2025; revised on 16 June 2025; accepted on 19 June 2025
 
Abstract: 
Indigenous knowledge systems provide valuable insights into plant behavior, offering cultural interpretations that complement scientific perspectives. This study examines how indigenous communities in Nigeria (West Africa) perceive plant behavioral patterns through local knowledge, observations, and beliefs. While scientific research attributes plant behavior to physiological mechanisms such as tropisms, nastic movements, and biochemical signaling, indigenous traditions often frame these responses within spiritual, mystical, or symbolic narratives. Using an ethnobotanical approach, this study explores oral traditions, folklore, and practical applications of plant behavior in indigenous settings. It highlights how traditional knowledge informs sustainable environmental management, conservation, and the use of plants in medicine, agriculture, and cultural rituals. Literature suggests that indigenous interpretations often align with scientific principles, albeit expressed through cultural narratives. By bridging indigenous knowledge and modern science, this study underscores the relevance of traditional ecological wisdom in contemporary botanical and environmental research. Recognizing these perspectives preserves cultural heritage while fostering an inclusive understanding of plant-environment interactions. This approach advocates for integrating indigenous perspectives into scientific discourse, policy-making, and conservation efforts to achieve a more holistic view of plant adaptation and ecology.
 
Keywords: 
Indigenous knowledge; Plant behavior; Ethnobotany; Tropism; Cultural significance
 
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Copyright information: 
Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0