The interface between literature and environment: An ecocritical analysis of Kiigembe proverbs

Abstract

Environmental conservation is one of the key issues of concern in major world blueprints and visions like United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,  Agenda 2063 of the Africa We Want, East African Community Vision 2050 and Kenya‟s Vision 2030. African indigenous knowledge systems can  provide mechanisms and strategies to conserve the environment for the betterment of humanity. Humanity belongs to the earth and the earth depends  on the activities of human beings on earth. This paper interrogates the interface between literature and environment within the notions of Africa  indigenous knowledge system. Using ecocriticism as a theoretical frame work, the paper examines selected Kiigeembe eco-proverbs as literary texts to  show the interface between literature and environment. The paper is premised on the fact that literature is a product of environment and that  environmental issues and ecological challenges can be portrayed through literary environmentalism genres and Kiigembe ecoproverb is no exception.  The findings of this study point toward the need to go back to our Africa roots, especially on indigenous knowledge systems, for solutions to    environmental challenges facing humanity today.