AFRICAN INDIGENOUS RELIGION (AIR) IN AN ERA OF E-SOCIETY: ITS ACHILLES HEELS OR A SILVER LINING?

Science and technology are bringing sweeping changes across the globe. These changes in turn are affecting every facet of human life, health inclusive. Therefore, this paper has argued that the practice of African traditional medicine is being affected by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in a manner that has made e-health possible. Hitherto, no one had conceived that e-health could be offered in the domain of African Indigenous Religion(AIR); but today, it is a common place practice. Unfortunately, scholars have not given the required attention to this new development. Therefore, there is need to undertake rigorous research in this area in order to remedy the dearth of knowledge in this sphere of study as it is being currently experienced. This is the reason for which this paper undertakes this Enormous and tedious task. Furthermore, this paper observes that rather than ICT being Achilles' heels to AIR, it is rather its silver lining. In order to ensure that the paper achieves the objectives it has set for itself, it uses Mixed-Methods Research Approach. This is a model that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data, check accuracy, verify and confirm the findings in order that the information collected are mutually corroborated. The qualitative aspect of the approach includes high level interviews and focussed group discussions with both clients and African traditional medicine practitioners. Their means of offering and accessing e-health are also discussed by the paper.

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