Promoting Traditional Medicine in West Africa Within the Framework of Ecocentrism: Nigeria and Ghana as Case Studies

This article explores the engagement of ecocentrism as a theoretical framework topromote traditional medicine in West Africa. In a region marked by fast-spreadingurbanization, industrialization, and the loss of biodiversity, the adoption of theprinciples of ecocentrism offer an approach with which to frame sustainability of forestsand their resources. This article derives from interdisciplinary perspectives, includingenvironmental ethics, indigenous knowledge systems, and legal analyses to examine thepotential of ecocentrism in the development, and promotion of traditional medicine.Furthermore, the article engages these perspectives to promote the management of forestresources for traditional medicine. The management of forest resources is necessary tosustain and integrate traditional medicine practices into mainstream healthcare systems.It is argued that management of forest resources through ecocentrist practices will helpboost traditional medicine in Nigeria and Ghana. Through case studies focused onNigeria and Ghana, this article examines the practical implications of adopting anecocentric perspective in protecting forest resources in West Africa. Ultimately, theintegration of ecocentrism into policymaking, educational curricula, and communityinitiatives presents a promising avenue for addressing the multifaceted challenges facingthe region.