Water No Get Enemy: The Complexities of Nature’s Lifeblood
"Water No Get Enemy": Fela's Anthem and Its Deeper Connection to Nature
Water No Get Enemy: The Complexities of Nature’s Lifeblood
The proverb "water no get enemy" is deeply rooted in African wisdom, particularly among the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It speaks to the essential nature of water as a resource that is vital for life. Despite its unpredictability and occasional destructive force, water is indispensable. This age-old saying reminds us that regardless of the challenges water may pose—be it flash floods, river overflows, or erosion—its benefits far outweigh its shortcomings. Water sustains us, shapes the earth, and powers economies. However, its duality, as both a nurturer and a destroyer, is becoming increasingly pronounced due to climate change and environmental instability.
Water's Role in Floods and Erosion
Despite its life-giving properties, water’s destructive potential has been on full display in recent years, causing widespread concern. In some regions, especially those prone to flash floods and river flooding, water has turned into an adversary. Flash floods, often triggered by unexpected heavy rainfall, wreak havoc in cities, washing away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Similarly, river floods, which occur when rivers overflow due to prolonged rains, can devastate entire communities, displacing thousands of people.
Erosion is another byproduct of uncontrolled water flow. In coastal and riverine areas, erosion claims farmlands, reduces landmass, and alters ecosystems. The soil is gradually stripped away, leaving barren landscapes where lush greenery once stood. While water itself is not inherently an enemy, its interactions with changing climatic conditions and human activities make it difficult to predict and manage. The variability in rainfall patterns caused by climate change has added another layer of complexity. Some regions experience prolonged droughts, while others see torrential rains with little to no warning. This unpredictability complicates agricultural planning, disaster preparedness, and even urban infrastructure development.
Climate Change: Unpredictability of Rainfall
Climate variability, driven by human-induced climate change, has made the once-reliable cycles of rainfall erratic. Predicting the timing, duration, and intensity of rainfall has become a challenge even for advanced meteorological systems. In some years, regions accustomed to abundant rainfall experience droughts, while others accustomed to dry conditions are hit with uncharacteristic downpours. This shift disrupts agriculture, impacts water supply, and, more importantly, leaves many regions vulnerable to flash floods and riverine flooding.
The changing rainfall patterns also create water shortages in some areas, leading to conflicts over water resources. In densely populated urban centers like Lagos, there are often periods of water scarcity due to insufficient rain during the wet season. Ironically, these same areas may face the opposite problem of flooding in other years, as torrential rains outstrip the capacity of drainage systems.
The Irreplaceable Value of Water
Despite the challenges posed by water, its positive contributions to society remain unquestionable. In Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, the water board has successfully supplied water consistently to its residents, thanks to a surplus in water resources. Abuja’s water supply infrastructure has been robust enough to provide pipe-borne water in excess to many households during the wet season, ensuring that the capital remains hydrated and its residents have access to clean water. However, as the dry season approaches, the tables turn, and water resources become more scarce, once again highlighting the delicate balance of water availability.
Beyond urban water supply, water plays a central role in agriculture, industry, and energy production. Irrigation systems allow farmers to grow crops even in arid regions, supporting food security. Industries depend on water for cooling machinery, processing raw materials, and maintaining hygiene. In the energy sector, hydropower plants harness the power of flowing water to generate electricity. Countries with abundant rivers, such as Ethiopia and Nigeria, are increasingly turning to hydroelectricity to meet growing energy demands.
Water's Role in Nature and Health
In the natural world, water is the lifeblood of ecosystems. Rivers, lakes, and oceans are home to countless species of plants and animals, many of which are integral to the food chain. Wetlands serve as natural flood barriers and act as filters for pollutants, improving water quality. Additionally, forests and rivers work together to regulate the global climate, storing carbon and releasing oxygen.
From a human health perspective, water is indispensable. Clean drinking water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Moreover, sanitation, which relies heavily on access to water, is crucial in maintaining public health, especially in densely populated areas. Proper sanitation systems reduce the spread of infectious diseases and ensure that communities remain safe and healthy.
The Unseen Benefits of Water
Water is also a source of leisure and economic opportunity. Lakes, rivers, and beaches attract tourists, providing recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Tourism centered around water bodies generates significant revenue for local economies, creating jobs and supporting small businesses.
In the spiritual realm, many cultures view water as sacred. It is used in religious ceremonies, symbolizing purification, renewal, and life. In Nigeria, for instance, the annual Argungu Fishing Festival celebrates the relationship between water and the local people, highlighting how water sustains both cultural heritage and livelihoods.
Conclusion
The proverb "water no get enemy" encapsulates the paradoxical relationship humans have with water. While it may cause destruction through floods, erosion, and unpredictability due to climate variability, its positive effects far surpass its challenges. Water sustains life, powers industries, provides energy, and is integral to health and sanitation. As climate change continues to impact global weather patterns, the need to manage water resources wisely becomes even more critical. Despite its occasional fury, water remains a friend to humanity—a resource that, if managed with care, will continue to sustain life for generations to come.
References
1. Ayeni, Victor. "Water Management and Flooding in Nigeria." Journal of Environmental Science and Policy, vol. 22, no. 4, 2022, pp. 58-75.
2. Nwosu, Chidinma. "The Role of Water in Agriculture and Food Security." African Agricultural Review, vol. 18, no. 2, 2021, pp. 34-47.
3. World Meteorological Organization. Impact of Climate Variability on Global Rainfall Patterns. WMO, 2020.
4. Musa, Ibrahim. "Flooding and Erosion in Coastal Nigeria: Causes and Consequences." Nigerian Geographical Journal, vol. 30, no. 3, 2020, pp. 12-26.
