A Theoretical Framework for Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into Wildlife Conservation Policy in Nigeria

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) held by indigenous and local communities represents a rich but systematically marginalized body of environmental understanding with demonstrated relevance for biodiversity conservation. Despite growing international recognition of TEK in global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the theoretical and institutional mechanisms for integrating TEK into wildlife conservation policy in Nigeria remain underdeveloped. This dissertation develops an original theoretical framework for TEK integration into Nigerian wildlife conservation policy, grounded in a systematic review of international TEK integration models, critical policy analysis of Nigeria's wildlife and biodiversity legislation, and ethnobiological field research in six communities representing all six geopolitical zones. The framework proposes a three-tier integration architecture encompassing epistemic legitimation of TEK alongside scientific knowledge, institutional co-governance structures for knowledge co-production, and adaptive policy mechanisms enabling iterative TEK incorporation into management decisions. Case study analysis from Oban Hills, Ngel Nyaki, and Sambisa validates framework applicability across Nigeria's major ecological zones. Original contributions include a novel TEK policy integration index for assessing national-level adoption readiness and a model co-governance charter adaptable for different protected area governance types. The dissertation advances conservation social science theory by bridging the epistemic gap between indigenous knowledge systems and technocratic conservation institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: traditional ecological knowledge, conservation policy, Nigeria, indigenous knowledge, biodiversity governance