Background of the study:
Indigenous knowledge systems have historically played a crucial role in addressing public health challenges in many African communities. In Afikpo North Local Government, Ebonyi State, traditional practices and remedies are employed to prevent and manage waterborne diseases. Local communities utilize indigenous wisdom to identify contamination sources, implement water purification techniques, and promote hygiene practices (Eze, 2023; Nwosu, 2024). This traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, complements modern public health strategies and contributes to disease prevention efforts. However, rapid urbanization and environmental changes are challenging these indigenous practices, leading to increased incidences of waterborne illnesses such as cholera and typhoid fever (Onyema, 2025). Recent studies emphasize the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with modern interventions to enhance community resilience against waterborne diseases. This study aims to assess the role of indigenous knowledge in disease prevention and to propose a collaborative framework that leverages both traditional and modern approaches (Chukwu, 2023).
Statement of the problem:
In Afikpo North, the erosion of indigenous knowledge due to modernization and environmental changes is contributing to the persistence of waterborne diseases. The decline in traditional water purification practices and hygiene measures has led to increased disease incidence. Furthermore, a lack of structured integration between indigenous methods and modern public health strategies exacerbates the problem, limiting effective disease prevention (Okoro, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To document indigenous practices used for preventing waterborne diseases.
To assess the effectiveness of these practices.
To propose integration strategies for indigenous knowledge and modern public health measures.
Research questions:
What indigenous practices are employed to prevent waterborne diseases in Afikpo North?
How effective are these practices in reducing disease incidence?
How can indigenous knowledge be integrated with modern public health strategies?
Research Hypotheses:
Indigenous water purification practices significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases.
The erosion of indigenous knowledge correlates with increased disease outbreaks.
An integrated approach can enhance disease prevention outcomes.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it highlights the value of indigenous knowledge in preventing waterborne diseases, offering insights for developing integrated public health strategies that respect traditional practices while incorporating modern scientific methods (Uche, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to exploring the role of indigenous knowledge in preventing waterborne diseases in Afikpo North Local Government, focusing on traditional practices and their integration with modern health measures.
Definitions of terms:
Indigenous knowledge: Traditional wisdom and practices passed down through generations.
Waterborne diseases: Illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms transmitted in contaminated water.
Integration: The process of combining traditional and modern approaches for improved outcomes.
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