Eco-linguistics strategies for promoting rural literacy among farming households and farm families in Southeast, Nigeria

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Research Paper 17/06/2026
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Eco-linguistics strategies for promoting rural literacy among farming households and farm families in Southeast, Nigeria

N. F. Nwulu*, F. U. Nnamani, C. R. Ayozie, C. F. Obumneke, B. N. Igbokwe, C. I. Ahumaraeze, U. A. Agwuocha, M. A. C. Osuji, F. O. Egwim, K. U. Chukwu, G. O. Mbarah, N. Emeka-Duru, C. F. Nlemchukwu, C. M. Okwara, J. U. Chikaire
Int. J. Biosci. 28(6), 128-140, June 2026.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2026; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

This paper explores eco-linguistics strategies for promoting rural literacy among farming households and farm families in Southeast Nigeria. A total of 250 rural farmers were randomly selected for the study. Questionnaires on oral interviews were used to collect data for the study. Percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that 36% of respondents were within the age range of 18–30 years, 56% were males, 70% were women, 22% had no formal education, and 22% had primary education. Farming (68%) is the major occupation. (50%) of respondents had a household size of 6–10 dependents, and 52% had spent1-10 years of farming experience. On literacy levels, 26% cannot read or write, (59.6%) can read in local languages, (52%) also can write in local languages. The voice of indigenous languages is a promoting rural literacy include; enhancing of understanding learning materials (77.6%), facilitates faster learning and retention (74%), presence cultural knowledge and values (71.6%). The eco-linguistic strategies identified include the use of indigenous languages as the medium of instruction (92%), use of folk cores, song and oral traditions (96%), use of visual aids (92%), use of visual aids (95.2%), use of mother-tongue (78%),  storytelling (83.6%), among others.

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