PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF INDIGENOUS RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ON ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN OBIO-AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Environmental  sustainability  within  rapidly  urbanising  socio-ecological  contexts  requires analytical  attention  to  culturally  embedded  normative  systems  that  shape  behavioural orientations toward ecological stewardship. This study examined the perceived influence of indigenous religious beliefs on environmental behaviour among households in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Employing a cross-sectional empirical design integrating quantitative survey methods with qualitative community insights, the study found that  indigenous  cosmological  beliefs  and  ritual   sanctions  continue  to  exert  measurable influence on environmental practices such as waste management, sanitation participation, and natural   resource   conservation.   Inferential   statistical   analysis   demonstrated   significant associations between indigenous belief adherence and environmentally responsible behaviour. Socio-cultural  factors  including  age,  education,  and  religious  affiliation  moderated  this relationship.  The   study  concludes  that  indigenous  ecological  ethics  constitute  viable complementary frameworks for sustainable environmental governance.