Abstract
Environmental degradation remains a major challenge affecting biodiversity, natural resource sustainability, and community livelihoods. This study examined indigenous management strategies used by the Luo community of Lower Nyakach, Kisumu County, Kenya, to enhance environmental preservation. The study focused on cultural practices, which include cultural beliefs, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable resource management. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions among community members, elders, traditional specialists, and environmental stakeholders. The study used both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Elders and traditional specialists were purposively selected, and members of the community and environmental stakeholders were randomly selected. Quantitative data were analysed using Bayesian posterior correlation analysis, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings revealed that indigenous practices significantly contributed to environmental conservation by regulating resource use, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable interaction between humans and nature. Prohibitions and taboos showed a strong positive association (0.400) with the protection of plants and animals (0.378), while sacred sites, elders’ regulations (0.310), traditional farming systems (0.235), and ritual practices (0.129) played important roles in environmental governance. The study concludes that indigenous knowledge systems remain valuable tools for sustainable environmental management. It recommends integration of indigenous conservation practices into contemporary environmental policies and strengthening community-based conservation initiatives.