Publication

Abstract : Florence Onyebuchi “Buchi” Emecheta is a core feminist Nigerian writer who has successfully dealt with various issues like indigenous culture, tradition, postcolonialism, feminism, etc. This paper is an attempt to study her works in the paradigm of Ecological philosophy by substantiating with evidences from her works to prove that Nature and Women are equally subjugated and exploited. The paper endeavours to prove that environmental violence is a gender issue too, highlighting the postulates of Eco-feminism. The Igbo community, to which Emecheta belongs, and which is the most described indigenous culture in her works, shows various customs and traditional practices that are meant to preserve nature. The study of her works that incorporate native cultures and oral traditions is an effort in the direction of retrieving and conserving whatever possible of these native customs, offering an initial stage towards a thinkable solution to the environmental disasters of the time. Through the examination of various novels of Emecheta, like, Destination Biafra, Joys of Motherhood, The Moonlight Bride and Bride Price, an inevitable link is unearthed in the customs practised by Igbos, specifically those that either directly or indirectly aid the preservation of nature in Nigeria. The archetypal representation of various cultural myths and traditions reveals how diverse Igbo practices contribute towards the conservation of nature. This article also serves as an ethnographic study of the Igbo culture and its environmental advantages as extolled in Buchi Emecheta’s works.