Using geoinformatics to reduce cultural extinction, language and cultural identity crises, diasppearing cultural landscapes and cultural heritage loss among the Igbos of Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid erosion of indigenous cultures, declining language use, and the disappearance of cultural landscapes threaten the long-term sustainability of Igbo cultural heritage in Southeast Nigeria. This study evaluated the potential of geoinformatics to support the preservation of cultural identity, endangered heritage resources, and indigenous languages. A descriptive survey combined with geoinformatics-based spatial analysis was conducted using data from 150 respondents drawn from local communities, cultural organizations, and academic institutions. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, field observations, GPS-based mapping, and geospatial datasets, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings identified westernization and globalization (88.0%), declining youth interest in cultural practices (85.3%), and reduced indigenous language use (83.3%) as the principal drivers of cultural extinction. Respondents identified sacred forests and groves (84.0%) and traditional homestead compounds (83.3%) as the most endangered cultural landscapes. Cultural identity crises were strongly associated with preference for Western lifestyles (mean = 3.32) and the gradual disappearance of indigenous religious beliefs (mean= 3.31). Geoinformatics was widely recognized for mapping cultural heritage sites (88.0%), creating spatial databases (84.0%), monitoring landscape changes through remote sensing (86.0%), and digitally documenting indigenous language resources (87.3%). Furthermore, respondents strongly supported the creation of digital archives for languages, artifacts, and traditions (93.3%) and increased government investment in geoinformatics infrastructure (90.7%) as key conservation strategies. The study concludes that integrating geoinformatics into cultural heritage management provides an effective, evidence-based approach for safeguarding endangered cultural landscapes, preserving indigenous languages, and strengthening Igbo cultural identity for future generations.