My final verdict…

Over the last couple of weeks, I looked at the metrics utilised in looking at food and water, how experiences vary across regions through the lens of Nigeria, and solutions to mitigating and adapting to water insecurity events such as droughts to preserve the food landscape. As this blog comes to a close, I wanted to give my opinion following what I have documented over the last couple of weeks.

So is water ‘liquid gold or a liquid lifeline? Well, fundamentally both. Water can be viewed as both a liquid lifeline and liquid gold. Its value is undeniable for sustaining life, agriculture, and ecosystems, yet scarcity and mismanagement can make it as precious as gold. 

When we are talking about food, it’s important to note that currently there is access to enough food in the world - in fact, the issue lies with the distribution. However, climate change further complicates matters, affecting agricultural patterns and exacerbating food insecurity in the form of droughts. The right to food extends beyond mere availability, encompassing factors like food sovereignty, land access, seed control, and ecological sustainability - countries such as the US and agribusinesses in Africa can afford to use technology such as GMOs to adapt and mitigate against climate change, however, the poor is drastically affected due to a lack of access to these technologies, rendering them in hunger. 

This precisely links back to my very first post on the artwork of O Yemi Tubi - he himself gives an explanation of his artwork here, which I very much am in agreement with, especially with the fact that we ourselves also have a role in contributing to water scarcity due to importing a lot of produce from Africa.

Understanding water's role in food production is crucial. Droughts, driven by climate change, highlight the intricate link between water and food security. Mitigating water insecurity is essential to preserving the food landscape, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management. Water is often central in many geopolitical conflicts - one example that I thought from my head was the River Nile Dam dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia, which you can read further on here.

Looking ahead, future solutions should address not only increasing food production but also improving distribution systems and ensuring equitable access. Additionally, integrating ecological sustainability into agricultural practices becomes paramount for long-term food security. Recognising water as both a lifeline and a limited resource is key to crafting holistic strategies for a sustainable and equitable future.