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Along the banks of the capricious Mada River that snakes through the Unguwar Pah community in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, lies a tale of resilience and determination in the face of an unrelenting adversary – the river itself. Every year, community members, like Kona Joseph, witness their hopes and labor swept away by the floodwaters, leaving behind a trail of disappointment and despair.
a seasoned farmer with a weathered face etched with the lines of countless challenges recounts the disheartening cycle that has become their reality. “We cannot cultivate this land again,” he laments, his voice tinged with resignation. “It is a waste of time.” The once fertile soil, once teeming with promise, now lies barren, a stark reminder of the flood’s destructive power. The crops that once flourished – groundnuts, maize, rice, cassava, beans, and even bananas – have succumbed to the river’s relentless wrath.
The fickle nature of the weather further compounds the community’s woes. Erratic rainfall patterns, with sudden shifts from scorching heat to biting cold, have thrown their agricultural practices into disarray. The delicate balance between rain and dry spells, essential for a bountiful harvest, has been disrupted, leaving the farmers at the mercy of the elements.
Despite the relentless challenges, Kona Joseph and her fellow farmers have continued to seek ways to adapt and find new methods of cultivation that can withstand the river’s capricious moods. They experiment with different crops, explore alternative irrigation techniques, and share their knowledge and experiences, determined to wrest a harvest from the unforgiving land.
plea for assistance echoes through the community, a call for support from those who have the means to help. He yearns for infrastructure that can tame the river’s fury, for irrigation systems that can provide a lifeline during the dry spells, and for knowledge and expertise that can guide them towards sustainable agricultural practices.
This story is not unique to Unguwar Pah; it resonates with communities across the globe, facing similar struggles against the unpredictable forces of nature. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and of the need for collective action to address the challenges that transcend borders. The story of the Unguwar Pah community serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its devastating impact on vulnerable communities. Let us work together to build a world where communities can thrive, where farmers can cultivate their lands without fear of loss, and where the river’s power is harnessed for sustainable development, not destruction.
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resources Centre) is a non-governmental organisation and non-partisan human rights and development league.