NJIKO: A Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Humanities, Law, Education and Social Sciences

In Igbo tradition and culture, sacrifice serves as a means of expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and connecting with the divine authorities. However, these practices often involve the use of natural resources, such as animals, plants, and water, which can have significant environmental implications for example, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Similarly, the use of natural resources and the place of traditional rituals can lead to environmental degradation. This study explores the intersection of traditional sacrifice and environmental sustainability through the lens of ritual ecology. Ritual ecology is a conceptual framework that examines the relationships between cultural rituals, environmental systems, and human well-being. This study adopted qualitative approach which includes primary and secondary means of data collection in investigating the environmental impact of Traditional Sacrifice. The findings of this study highlight the complex relationships between traditional sacrifice, environmental sustainability, and spirituality. While traditional sacrifice can contribute to environmental degradation and resource depletion, it also plays a vital role in maintaining cultural identity, social cohesion, community resilience and good relationship with the divine. This study argues that a good understanding of the environmental implications of traditional sacrifice is essential for developing effective strategies that balance cultural heritage, spirituality with environmental sustainability.

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