Indigenous Traditional Approaches to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

According to the Brundtland Commission, Sustainable Development is defined as “the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Authors often argue that sustainability is not to be defined but to be declared since it is an ethical guiding principle. Besides, other authors argue that the depth of sustainable development definitions has allowed the concept to succeed politically were restricted and plain concepts such as limits to growth failed. In simpler terms, sustainable development basically means preservation. It could relate to economic preservation which could lead to economic growth and development or environmental preservation, in which various modalities are formulated to create protection for the planet and it could also mean the preservation of wildlife and agricultural products and farmland. This study focuses on how indigenous approaches can be used in achieving the sustainable development goals. In the context of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Millennium Development Goals lasted fifteen years and failed to achieve most of its objectives in Nigeria; poverty, economic inequality, gender inequality, lack of quality education, etc. persists. Nigeria still experiences extreme hunger and poverty due to unemployment, unfavourable government policies, and under-development. Malaria persists; education is at its all-time low with 69%failure in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) (2014) and 83% failure rate in 2018. Also, environmental sustainability has not been achieved due to the existence of bush burning, poaching and oil spillage which disrupts the aquatic and terrestrial eco-system making both land and fish farming difficult and pollution imminent. This study revolved on indigenous approaches through synergising the local traditional and religious institutions with the UN sustainable development goals thereby tackling needs on a community by community basis. In the state of Osun in Nigeria, a survey was carried out and out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4 - Quality Education, and Goal 6 – Water and Sanitation was of paramount importance to the populace. With the implementation of the study by the Osun Sustainable Development Goals Agency through the construction, rehabilitation of middle and elementary schools and furnishing them with learning implements as well as the construction and rehabilitation of primary health care facilities with functional equipment’s and availability of drugs with the provision of borehole installations towards the provision of clean water. With this, school enrolment increased, and infant mortality rate decreased thereby leading to a healthy and educated population which aids development. This study was concluded by showcasing a positive correlation using indigenous approaches such as; engaging the traditional and religious institutions through the accommodation of their cultural values and heritage, using that as a link in advocating the sustainable development goals which in turn had a positive effect on economic growth and development. Overall, this study will further highlight recommendations towards policymakers and key figures who are charged with the implementation of the sustainable development goal (SDGs)in the developing world, most notably Nigeria.