ASSESSMENT OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE ON HOUSING CONSTRUCTIONS IN AKURE SOUTH, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study shows that indigenous housing construction is intricately intertwined with cultural values, identity, and meanings to reinforce a sense of belonging within the community. Moreover, it also shows that knowledge extends beyond mere technical know-how to a holistic understanding of the environment, the cultural symbolism of architectural forms, and the social cohesion that arises from shared building practices. These collaborative endeavors strengthen social bonds, reinforce a sense of mutual support, and promote intergenerational knowledge transfer. The study epitomizes the capacity of indigenous knowledge to evolve and respond to the changing needs of communities as a result of modernization over time. Hence, the study examined the growing threat to indigenous housing practices due to rapid urbanization and modernization, using a mixed-method approach. The study employed a multi-stage random sampling technique to determine sample size. Unstructured interviews through interview guides were adopted in the qualitative phase. The study concludes that indigenous housing construction techniques are valued for maintaining cultural identity and promoting sustainability.