School of Social and Political Science

Description

The Centre of African Studies (CAS) is delighted to welcome you to the following seminar:

"Then As Now: African Oceans as Embodiments of Traditions"

Speaker: Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, Lecturer in Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews

                                                 “The sea that once cured my rash now gives me rash”

Africa's coastlines extend across the Mediterranean Sea in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and the Indian Ocean in the east, serving as important sites for food provision, trade, exploration, and cultural preservation throughout generations. Coastal Africans share a profound spiritual bond with the oceans, viewing water as i) a source of life, ii) an instrument of purification, and iii) a locus of regeneration, establishing the ocean as a sacred space. This spiritual connection forms the basis of historical local ocean management practices, emphasising respect and conservation. However, this spiritual bond between local communities and the oceans has weakened in modern times due to disruptions caused by colonial influences, marine pollution, and anthropogenic activities. The research is the first part of a broader study that explores how we can integrate traditional marine conservation practices with scientific knowledge to promote equitable livelihoods for African coastal communities, especially in the West African region. The current research focuses on identifying Africa’s historical relationship with the oceans and how this relationship was reciprocated. The research addresses the following key questions: What is the traditional relationship between African coastal peoples and the oceans? How have colonial interference and human activities impacted this relationship? And how can we revitalise this relationship to support ongoing efforts in ocean conservation? Through exploring these inquiries, we aim to deepen our understanding of the ancestral connections between African coastal communities and the oceans, discern the effects of historical and contemporary influences, and explore strategies to revive and uphold this relationship today.

When: Wednesday 13th March 2024 (3.30-5pm GMT)

Where: Hugh Robson Building, Lecture  Theatre G.04

Format: In-person only. Please register via Eventbrite

Speaker Biography:

Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood is a Lecturer in Sustainable Development at the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Her work advances a transdisciplinary understanding of oceans' sustainability, governance and security. With extensive field research experience involving strategic maritime stakeholders and West and Central African communities, Dr Okafor-Yarwood has contributed to high-level reports and discussions on ocean governance, gender, and maritime security at regional and global levels. She has published extensively on the subject and has consulted for regional and international agencies. Dr Okafor-Yarwood holds a PhD in Leadership, Security and Development, an M.A. in Conflict, Security, and Development from King's College London, UK, a B.A. in International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, and a preparatory Diploma in Law from London Metropolitan University, London, UK. She is also a 2023 PEW Marine Fellow.