Rethinking Human-Centredness and Eco-Sustainability in an African Setting: Insights from Luganda Folktales

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article reflects on an alternative mode of anthropocentrism emergent from representations of human–nonhuman relations in a selection of Ganda folktales. In particular, it addresses some major claims against anthropocentrism: the failure to recognise the importance of holism; the overlooking of the intrinsic value of nonhuman elements; and the undue emphasis on the ontological divide between humans and other entities. The article is based on a descriptive qualitative study utilising data from folktales as repositories of both the ancient and experiential wisdom of the Baganda. It focuses on five carefully selected stories, recorded during live performances in Mpigi District of Uganda in 2019, on the theme of human–nonhuman relations. The article argues that while the Ganda folktales selected in this study would generally be considered as advancing anthropocentrism, they exhibit a commitment to environmental sustainability in ways that interrogate the anthropocentrism–ecocentrism dichotomy. Through a blend of thematic and structural narrative analysis of the folktales, the study reveals that a communitarian social setup could promote a balanced stance in human relations with the nonhuman. This study, thus, challenges the blanket disparagement of anthropocentrism in contemporary environmental scholarship.