Title of Book: Studies in Scientific & Cultural Ecology
Editors: Sule E. Egya, N. J. Dadi-Mamud, Mohammed Alhaji Usman (Makurdi: SEVHAGE, 2021)
Publishers: SEVHAGE Publishers (Makurdi
Available for purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9785843718

“How much can the study of ecology – either from the perspective of humanities or that of natural/social sciences – benefit from a convergence of scientific and humanistic theories and methodologies? In tackling this question, there is the contention that a researcher in the humanities, say, a literary scholar or a theatre artist working on ecology should fruitfully interact with, say, a geologist, a geographer, an atmospheric chemist, or even a science educationist working on ecology (each benefiting from the other). Ecology here is conceived as a broad field of research that encompasses the earth, water, air, biodiversity, flora and fauna, physical and human environment, among others. Although ecology appears to be the domain of natural sciences (since the science revolution age), social scientists and humanities researchers have increasingly taken an interest in it, raising questions that concern environmental degradation and its effects on humans (environmentalism of the poor), social justice for biodiversity, and the prevention of global warming. Climate change, as a discourse and as a reality, appears to have liberalised the study of ecology, unhinged it from the rigidity of Newtonian scientists who think humans should be separated from nature or have to detach themselves from nature to study it. The outcome of the conference is that participants were able to share knowledge on the natural components of ecology, the interdependence of humans and ecology, and the need to recognise the rights of biodiversity to exist side by side with humans with the understanding that any predicament faced by ecology is one with which humans will also contend. In other words, humans need not detach themselves from nature, as studying nature implies studying themselves – a prognosis that bridges the gap between the sciences and the humanities […]”

The essays collected in this volume attest to the values of transdisciplinarity. Its uniqueness lies in the ease with which it juxtaposes research findings from an array of disciplines cutting across natural sciences, social sciences, applied sciences and the humanities. The subject of ecology is the chief beneficiary here as it enjoys a transdisciplinary discourse, which is a result of diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks. Ecology is approached from different perspectives, suggesting the many ways in which scholarship can contribute to the wellbeing of the earth. It is noteworthy that most of the chapters are empirical and textual studies (as opposed to theoretical ones) dealing with the condition of the earth in its various manifestations within the Nigerian ecosystems.

[from the Introduction by Sule E. Egya]

Studies in Scientific and Cultural Studies is a collection of 14 interdisciplinary essays and an perceptive narrative introduction by multiple award-winning scholar and creative writer, Professor Sule E. Egya. Contributors include Nuhu george Obaje, A. K. Aweda, U. M. Umar. T.m. Ozoji, Aisha Obaje, August Akwu Atabor, Douglas Kaze, rejoice James-Songden, Afudendem Lucas Nkwetta, N. J. Dadi-Mamud, B. U. Ibrahim, D. A. Aliyu, H. Mohammed, Mercy gambo, Mohammed Alhaji Usman, Peace Benson, samson A. Daán, Adams A. Chaskda, Georgian S. Mwansat, Chinonye C. Ekwueme-Ugwu, Ehoche E. Elijah, Henry Y. Adeyemi, Oshonebu Sule Egya, Aduloju Abimbola Adenike and Olusegun Stephen Titus.

The publication, housed by the Centre for Arts and Indigenous Studies of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, is supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany.

For more information or any other inquiry, please send an email to sevhage@gmail.com