STATUS OF MORAL VALUES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WELLBEING AND A PEACEFUL AFRICAN SOCIETY

Abstract

The state of moral values in contemporary African society is a grave one. There is a devaluation and degradation of moral values in the African society. Moral values like hospitality, generosity, kindness, extended family system, brotherhood, communalism, honesty, selflessness, respect for elders, sharing, and many others are being abandoned by many. This has often led to breakdown of morality and social disorder as society is now filled with crimes and criminality, political and economic corruption, electoral violence and rigging of elections, inept and bad leadership, poor environmental habits, environmental degradation, economic greed, selfishness, violence, resource wars, etc. In spite of many efforts in education and socialization process to combat moral values degradation, the problems continue unabated. The paper uses a critical hermeneutics and analytic methods to argue that there is need for restoration and revival of moral values that were once prevalent in Africa to promote environmental wellbeing and social peace. The fact that moral values are not just for human wellbeing, but can also help in environmental conservation becomes a contribution of this paper. The paper concludes that if this is done, it will help to ameliorate social disorder and also promote environmental wellbeing.