The sun burned over Lokotiye, a small community in Nasarawa State. Aisha Isah, 42, stood by her well, squinting into the dark, dry hole. The pumping machine hummed faintly, then fell silent. The water level was too low for it to draw anything up. What little remained smelled stale and sour, a clear sign that the rains were long gone and the dry season had arrived.
For Aisha, a mother of three and full-time housewife, the struggle for water was more than frustrating. Every task in her day—washing, cooking, cleaning, and bathing—relied on it. Now, water was slipping out of reach.
Unfortunately, Aisha’s struggle reflects a broader crisis affecting rural communities across Nigeria. According to WaterAid Nigeria, more than 60 million people in the country lack access to basic clean water supply. Climate change exacerbates this issue, leading to decreased rainfall and higher temperatures.
The Bigger Picture
According to the 2023-2028 WaterAid Nigeria Country Programme Strategy, climate change poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s water resources. The document highlights that the 2014 Nigeria Water Master Plan predicted a potential 20% reduction in annual runoff due to rising temperatures. Additionally, it forecasts a decrease in groundwater recharge of up to 20%, with groundwater levels nationwide expected to drop by 5 to 20 meters by 2030. This would warrant the need to drill boreholes 20m deeper than current depth and make the depth of the pump table 20m deeper than it is currently.
Aisha’s drying well in her compound
Rural areas, which depend heavily on rain-fed streams and shallow wells, are particularly vulnerable. During the dry season, high evapotranspiration rates cause groundwater levels to drop, often drying up wells like Aisha’s.
“I can’t afford to buy water from the tankers. It’s just too expensive, especially with a family of five. We use a lot of water every day, and paying for it like that is not something we can keep up with,” says Aisha. “Even the boreholes charge more during this time because everyone is looking for water. When people’s wells dry up, the prices go up too. It’s a constant struggle to find a way to get enough water.”
Moreover, the drilling of new boreholes can further lower the water table, exacerbating the problem.
How Water Scarcity Disrupts Lives Across States
Aisha’s experience mirrors that of many Nigerians facing seasonal water scarcity. In Enugu State, residents encounter similar challenges. Ezioma Kalu, a local resident, shared on social media, “It’s that time of the year again for Ndị Enugu. Wells are drying up. And we’re doing skin care with smelly well water.”
The topography of Enugu, characterized by its hilly terrain and underlying coal deposits, exacerbates water scarcity. These geological factors make drilling boreholes difficult and often unproductive.
In both Nasarawa and Enugu states, the dry season’s impact on water availability forces families to make difficult choices. Many resort to purchasing sachet water for drinking and cooking, increasing household expenses. Others, unable to afford this option, turn to unsafe water sources, risking exposure to waterborne diseases. The daily quest for water consumes time and energy, affecting productivity and quality of life.
For families like Aisha’s, the dry season is a difficult time of the year. A period of enduring life with little or no water and the uncertainty of when the rainy season will begin.
Strategies to Mitigate Impact on Rural Communities
Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have worsened water scarcity in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. The average temperature in the country has risen by 0.8°C since 1960, while rainfall has decreased and become more erratic, leading to prolonged dry seasons and extreme weather events.
Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, emphasizes the need for resilient water services, stating, “Strengthening the resilience of these vital services is a top priority for WaterAid Nigeria over the next five years, with Lagos as a focal state.”
To reduce the impact of these challenges, several strategies can be adopted.
WaterAid’s report suggests that “investing in water systems that provide a reliable supply whatever the weather, is a frontline defence against the impact of climate change.”
Deepening existing wells or drilling new ones could be a solution, as deeper wells are less likely to dry up during the dry season. Investing in boreholes that extend below the current water table can also provide more reliable water sources.
Furthermore, experts recommend that governments establish drought monitoring systems. Tracking droughts to monitor their onset, intensity, and duration can help communities prepare for water shortages. Early warning systems can guide resource allocation and prevent severe impacts.