Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Geospatial Science for Dryland Resource Management in the Sahel Zone of North East Nigeria: Towards an Indigenous Epistemological Framework

The production of environmental knowledge in Nigeria's Sahel zone in the North East geopolitical zone has historically been dominated by positivist scientific epistemologies that marginalise the sophisticated traditional ecological knowledge systems of Kanuri, Shuwa Arab, and Fulani communities, creating a knowledge hierarchy that undermines both the relevance and the legitimacy of dryland resource management interventions. This study develops an Indigenous Epistemological Framework for integrating traditional ecological knowledge with geospatial science in dryland resource management, theoretically grounded in decolonial geography, ethno-ecology, and science and technology studies. The research was conducted over 24 months in Borno and Yobe States with twelve purposively selected communities whose members are recognised knowledge holders in dryland ecosystem dynamics. Research methods include participatory ecological calendars, resource mapping workshops, elder knowledge holder interviews, transect walks, and ethno-ecological observation protocols. Traditional knowledge elements collected include indicators of rainfall onset and drought prediction, soil quality assessment practices, rangeland condition indicators, and sustainable harvesting rules for non-timber forest products. These knowledge elements were systematically cross-validated against biophysical data from remote sensing and field measurements to assess convergent and divergent validity. Results confirm that traditional indicators in 78 percent of validated cases show statistically significant correspondence with remotely sensed biophysical measures, supporting their scientific credibility. The study proposes a Knowledge Co-Production Protocol applicable to participatory resource management planning in Sahel drylands. This work makes a significant original contribution to decolonial environmental geography and indigenous knowledge methodology. Keywords: traditional ecological knowledge, decolonial geography, dryland management, Sahel, North East Nigeria.