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Amidst the lush communities in the landscapes of Kwara State, Nigeria, lives Saidu Balikisu, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, Hajarah Muhammad, and Muhammad Dinga. These communities, primarily inhabited by fishermen and farmers, have developed a unique rhythm of life, one that is attuned to the annual floods that disrupt their livelihoods.
The floodwaters, while a formidable force of nature, have become an unwelcome yet familiar companion to the residents. “The flood happens every year,” Hajarah Muhammad explains, her voice laced with a mix of resignation and determination.
Despite the recurrence of the floods, the community has not succumbed to despair. Instead, they have developed a system of resilience, adapting their lives to the ebb and flow of the waters.
“We receive early warnings from the government,” Alhaji Usman Abdullahi notes, a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. “They also provide us with food and other relief materials.”
However, the floods continue to take their toll. “Our rice farms are inundated, and our buildings are damaged,” Saidu Balikisu laments, her voice heavy with concern.
The community’s collective appeal is clear: they seek a permanent solution to their annual flood predicament. “We urge the government to close the dams,” Muhammad Dinga pleads, his voice echoing the yearning of his community.
Closing the dams, they believe, would effectively prevent the floodwaters from encroaching upon their lands and homes. This, they hope, would allow them to cultivate their fields, ply their trades, and live their lives without the constant threat of displacement and destruction.
The community’s call to action is a testament to their resilience and their unwavering belief in a brighter future. They are not asking for handouts but for a sustainable solution that will enable them to thrive, not just survive, amidst the challenges posed by nature.
As the government grapples with the complex issue of flood management, the communities of Kwara State stand united in their hope for a future where the floodwaters no longer dictate the rhythm of their lives but where they, the people, are the masters of their own destiny.
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resources Centre) is a non-governmental organisation and non-partisan human rights and development league.