Eco-Spirituality, Faith-Based Organizations, And Environmental Sustainability: Evidence From Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental degradation remains a critical challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas where population growth, land-use change, poor waste management, mining activities, and inadequate environmental governance continue to threaten ecosystem stability. While conventional environmental management approaches have largely emphasized technological and regulatory solutions, increasing scholarly attention has focused on the role of religious values and faith-based organizations (FBOs) in promoting environmentally responsible behaviours. This study examined the role of eco-spirituality and faith-based organizations in promoting environmental sustainability in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative approaches. A structured questionnaire was administered to 400 respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique from selected Christian and Islamic faith-based organizations in Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas. In addition, key informant interviews were conducted with religious leaders, environmental officers, and FBO environmental committee members, while field observations were used to assess environmental practices within selected worship centres. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that environmental education and awareness programmes were the most common environmental initiatives undertaken by FBOs (Mean = 3.30), followed by environmental sanitation activities and tree-planting programmes (Mean = 3.10). The study further found a significant positive relationship between eco-spirituality and environmental sustainability practices (r = 0.62, p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that eco-spirituality (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), environmental education (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), and leadership commitment (β = 0.22, p = 0.002) significantly predicted FBO environmental sustainability initiatives. However, inadequate funding, limited technical capacity, and weak institutional collaboration constrained the effectiveness of these programmes. The study concludes that faith-based organizations possess considerable potential to strengthen environmental sustainability through value formation, environmental education, and community mobilization. It recommends stronger partnerships between government agencies, environmental institutions, and faith communities to integrate eco-spirituality into environmental governance strategies in Jos Metropolis.