ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the impact of colonial period on the traditional medicine and healing practices of indigenous Igbo land. This study utilized both primary (qualitative approach in form of oral interview) and secondary sources (books, journals, archival documents and websites). This project work took an explorative study on how the emergence of colonial rule affected the indigenous traditional medicine and healing practices of ancient Igbo land. Therrefore it concludes that the colonial rule has had profound impact on traditional medicine and healing practices in Igbo land, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape healthcare systems and cultural identity in Nigeria today. Colonial authorities, primarily the British, viewed indigenous healing practices with skepticism and sought to impose Western medical systems and values, leading to the stigmatization, marginalization, and suppression of traditional medicine and healing practices. Legal restrictions and regulations imposed by colonial administrators hindered the practice of traditional medicine, further limiting the autonomy and effectiveness of traditional medicine practitioners.1 Moreover, the erosion of traditional knowledge accelerated under colonial rule, as Western education and values disrupted the transmission of indigenous healing traditions to younger generations, contributing to a decline in confidence in traditional medicine among Igbo communities.
Furthermore, the impact of colonial rule on traditional medicine and healing practices in Igbo land extended beyond healthcare access to encompass broader issues of cultural identity and self-determination. The undermining of indigenous healing traditions and the promotion of Western values and institutions eroded the cultural autonomy of Igbo communities, leading to a loss of cultural heritage and identity.2 The disparities in healthcare access resulting from the marginalization of traditional medicine under colonial rule exacerbated existing inequalities in healthcare provision, particularly for rural and marginalized communities who relied on traditional healers for their healthcare needs.
Despite these challenges, traditional healers in Igbo land persisted in practicing clandestinely and preserving their knowledge and traditions in the face of colonial oppression. Over time, efforts have been made to revitalize and reclaim traditional healing practices in Igbo land, recognizing their importance in promoting cultural identity, community health, and holistic well-being. However, the legacy of colonial rule continues to shape the landscape of healthcare in Nigeria, with traditional medicine existing alongside Western medicine as part of the country's pluralistic healthcare system.3 Thus, understanding the impact of colonial rule on traditional medicine and healing practices in Igbo land is essential for addressing the ongoing challenges and promoting the recognition, acceptance, and preservation of indigenous healing traditions in Nigeria.
